Production Engineer

Title: Production Engineer

Location: Pasadena, Texas

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 and detail-oriented Production Engineer to join our manufacturing team. The Production Engineer will play an integral part in supporting daily plant operations and driving continuous improvement efforts. The Production Engineer will work closely with production teams, senior engineers, and cross-functional departments, to help improve efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Support the day-to-day performance of the PVOH production plant to produce on-spec, first-quality products.
• Monitor and analyze key production metrics, including yield, throughput, quality, and energy usage.
• Troubleshoot issues and recommend process adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
  
  

Process Improvement

• Collaborate with production managers, supervisors, and technicians to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and product condition changes across various grades.
• Develop and maintain product condition sheets and process documentation.
  
  

Root Cause Analysis & Compliance

• Lead or participate in Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) for safety, quality, and equipment-related incidents.
• Implement corrective actions and ensure alignment with internal safety and quality standards.
• Conduct environmental calculations (emissions, energy, waste) to support regulatory compliance.
  
  

Automation & Controls

• Use Yokogawa DCS and TrendMiner tools to manage alarms, integrate new data points, and support interlock systems.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with teams in maintenance, quality control, and supply chain to ensure operational alignment and efficiency.
  
  

Work Environment

• Spend significant time on the production floor in addition to desk-based tasks.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
• Minimum of three years of experience in chemical, petrochemical, or manufacturing industry
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Willingness to learn how the plant operates and provide basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to prioritize work to meet business critical goals and tasks
• Basic understanding of safe work practices, plant safety regulations, environmental compliance, and Process Safety Management.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• 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.