Process Engineer bei Kuraray America

Title: Process Engineer

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated Process Engineer to support and optimize our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for researching, designing, implementing, and improving industrial processes and systems to maximize efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety. The Process Engineer will work closely with senior engineers, production teams, maintenance, and cross-functional departments to troubleshoot issues, lead improvement initiatives, and drive continuous process optimization in a dynamic chemical manufacturing environment.

This position combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, including troubleshooting, performance management, team development, and driving a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Process & Production Engineering:
  • Research, design, and optimize production processes, equipment, and control systems.
  • Analyze process data to identify trends, persistent operating problems, and opportunities to improve quality, safety, capacity, and cost efficiency.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, testing, and engineering analysis to validate proposed solutions.
  • Support troubleshooting efforts for process upsets, equipment failures, and control system issues.
  • Participate in new unit startups, incident investigations, and process studies for new product grades.
• Project & Continuous Improvement:
  • Initiate, manage, and implement CAPEX and improvement projects for yield, safety, and efficiency.
  • Recommend and implement new technical developments, engineering standards, and process control strategies.
  • Lead or support Management of Change (MOC) processes.
  • Create engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation to support implementation of solutions.
• Collaboration & Technical Support:
  • Partner with production, technical, and maintenance personnel to improve operability, reliability, and safety.
  • Provide technical expertise in polymerization, distillation, absorption, stripping, saponification, and downstream polymer operations (e.g., pellet washing, drying, conveying, extrusion).
  • Act as a process technology champion to reduce emissions, improve safety, and optimize manufacturing costs.
• Data & Research:
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to recommend corrective actions and improvements.
  • Stay up to date with industry best practices, regulations, and new technology through continuous learning and research.
• Capability Development:
  • Mentor and coach team members, sharing technical knowledge and best practices.
  • Participate in training and development activities to expand technical expertise and leadership skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of process engineering experience in chemical manufacturing or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with solution polymerization, distillation (reactive, extractive, azeotropic, binary), absorption, stripping, saponification, and polymer operations.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., ASPEN Plus, ASPEN Exchanger Design, Chemcad).
• Strong understanding of process safety, environmental compliance, and PSM requirements.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues and implement sustainable improvements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong problem-solving and sound decision-making abilities.
• Capable of handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.