Production Engineer
27 days ago
Pasadena
Job Description Title: Production 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: The Production Engineer is a key technical contributor responsible for optimizing daily operations, driving process improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives within the EVAL production unit. This role applies advanced engineering knowledge and practical plant experience to improve product quality, safety, and overall efficiency. The Production Engineer works independently on complex assignments, provides technical guidance to junior staff, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, high-quality production in a continuous manufacturing environment. Responsibilities: Operational Excellence • Oversee daily production performance and provide technical leadership to ensure safe, stable, and efficient operations., • Analyze production data to identify trends, troubleshoot process deviations, and implement corrective actions., • Lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives focused on yield, throughput, energy usage, and process reliability., • Develop and maintain process documentation, product condition sheets, and standard operating procedures., • Lead or participate in Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFA) for process, safety, and equipment incidents., • Implement corrective and preventive actions aligned with internal quality and safety systems., • Utilize Yokogawa DCS, TrendMiner, and other digital tools for process monitoring, alarm management, and performance optimization., • Serve as a technical resource to Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless production support., • Mentor and train junior engineers or operators on process knowledge and best practices., • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related engineering discipline., • Minimum of 6-9 years of experience in a chemical, petrochemical, or continuous manufacturing environment., • Demonstrated knowledge of process troubleshooting, data analysis, and process optimization techniques., • Familiarity with Yokogawa DCS, TrendMiner, or similar control and analytics systems preferred., • Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM), environmental compliance, and safe work practices., • Excellent analytical, project management, and communication skills., • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment., • 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. Job Posted by ApplicantPro