Title Technical Services and Development Engineer
Location Pasadena, TX
Who We Are Voted one of the Nations Best and Brightest Companies to Work for Kuraray America Inc. 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 The Technical Service and Development Engineer is responsible for providing advanced technical support and leading application development for key PVOH accounts across emulsion adhesive and construction applications. This role serves as the primary technical expert between Kuraray and strategic customers, translating complex technical challenges into innovative product and process solutions that drive performance differentiation and growth. The TS&D Engineer will independently lead technical projects of high complexity, manage laboratory operations and analytical capabilities, collaborate with global R&D teams to commercialize new applications, and provide expert troubleshooting and field support. This role requires deep technical expertise in polymer chemistry, strong customer focus, and strategic business acumen.
Responsibilities • Customer & Market Support • Provide advanced technical support and expert solutions to key PVOH application accounts, ensuring high performance and customer satisfaction. • Diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges related to PVOH applications in emulsion adhesive and construction segments. • Support Sales in defending existing business, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening customer partnerships. • Conduct customer visits, trials, and plant evaluations to assess product performance and application compatibility.
• Product & Application Development • Lead new application development and commercialization projects for PVOH products. • Conduct laboratory experiments using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM, and mechanical testing). • Collaborate with R&D teams in Japan and the U.S. to scale lab results to commercial production. • Develop intellectual property for PVOH applications and support patent strategies for new and existing products.
• Laboratory & Technical Leadership • Manage technical service projects and establish standardized work procedures for the U.S.-based PVOH Technical Service laboratory. • Enhance laboratory analytical capabilities and develop new testing methodologies to address evolving product requirements. • Collect and analyze data from various sources to inform research, identify trends, and propose actionable insights.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with global technical teams to identify market opportunities and propose strategic projects. • Develop Non-Disclosure Agreements to maintain competitive differentiation. • Assist manufacturing sites (Bayport and LaPorte) in resolving quality issues and driving process improvements.
• Continuous Improvement & Compliance • Promote safe work practices and adherence to all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory policies. • Drive continuous improvement in technical service processes, documentation, and analytical capabilities. • Build technical and professional capabilities through training, certifications, and engagement with industry best practices.
Minimum Qualifications • Masters degree in a STEM field • PhD in Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry (preferred) • Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in technical service, product development, or application engineering in a chemical, polymer, or materials industry (preferred) • Strong understanding of small molecule chemistry, polymer chemistry, and polymer structure-property relationships • Demonstrated expertise in analytical techniques, including NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM, and mechanical testing • Industrial work experience in a chemical, polymer, or materials industry (highly preferred) • Project leadership experience for new product development (highly preferred) • Customer-facing technical service experience with product and application development (highly preferred) • Global business experience (preferred)
Competencies • Customer Focus • Business Insight • Cultivates Innovation • Action Oriented • Ensures Accountability • Drives Results • Collaborates • Values Difference • Communicates Effectively • Courage • Instills Trust • Situational Adaptability
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.