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Title: TSandD 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 31 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:

The Technical Service and Development Engineer will lead advanced technical support for key PVOH coating application accounts, with a focus on paper and packaging. Responsibilities include providing expert solutions to complex customer challenges, driving new application development and commercialization, and managing lab projects to support customer needs. This role also strengthens the PVOH Technical Service team's capabilities, fosters industry partnerships, and ensures compliance with safety and documentation standards.

Responsibilities

:

• Develop and validate engineering solutions that meet functionality, performance, aesthetics, and cost requirements while adhering to organizational and regulatory standards.
• Provide advanced technical support to customers and the sales team, ensuring effective diagnosis and resolution of complex technical challenges with PVOH applications.
• Conduct laboratory work and collaborate with technicians and global technical teams, including RandD in Japan, to deliver solutions.
• Manage technical service projects and establish standardized work procedures for the U.S.-based PVOH Technical Service laboratory, enhancing its analytical capabilities (e.g., IR, GPC, GC, DSC, SEM).
• Lead major projects, balancing technical and business priorities to ensure timely delivery.
• Work with global teams to identify market opportunities, propose strategic projects, and develop Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to maintain competitive differentiation.
• Support product promotion efforts through the creation of technical literature, website content, trade show exhibits, and presentations at conferences.
• Lead efforts to develop intellectual property (IP) for PVOH applications and support patent strategies for new and existing products.
• Assist manufacturing sites, including Bayport and LaPorte, in resolving quality issues and driving process improvements.
• Collect and analyze data from various sources to inform research, identify trends, and propose actionable insights for the business.
• Develop new testing methodologies to address evolving requirements for products and operations.
• Ensure adherence to safety policies, regulatory standards, and training requirements in all activities.
• Continuously build technical and professional capabilities through training, certifications, and engagement with industry best practices.
• Requires p to 40% domestic and international travel.

Minimum Qualifications

:

BS in STEM; BS in STEM, PhD. preferred

Minimum of 10 years in customer technical service with some product and applications development

Minimum of 5 years of global business experience

Minimum of 5 years of project leader experience for new product development

Analysis skills for IR, GPC, GC, DSC, SEM

Sales process knowledge

Technical service experiences preferably in PVOH industries

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