Technical Services and Development Engineer
Listed on 2026-05-09
-
Engineering
Process Engineer, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineer, Materials Engineer
Title:
Technical Services and Development Engineer
Location:
Pasadena, TX
Who we are:
Bvoted 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Support product promotion through technical literature, website content, trade show exhibits, and…
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