Production Engineer

Title:
Production Engineer

Location:
Pasadena, TX

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.

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.

The Production Engineer is a key technical contributor responsible for optimizing daily operations, driving process improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives within the PVOH 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.

• 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.
• Collaborate with operations to optimize process conditions and ensure consistent on‑spec product quality.

• 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.
• Manage or support capital and improvement projects, including design input, vendor coordination, commissioning, and start‑up support.

• 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.
• Perform environmental and energy‑related calculations to support compliance and sustainability initiatives.

• Utilize Yokogawa DCS, Trend Miner, Honeywell and other digital tools for process monitoring, alarm management, and performance optimization.
• Partner with Controls and Reliability teams to identify and execute automation enhancements.

• 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.
• Support plant‑wide initiatives related to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

• Requires frequent presence on the production floor and hands‑on involvement with plant operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a chemical, petrochemical, or continuous manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of process troubleshooting, data analysis, and…