Technical Services and Development Engineer

Technical Services And Development Engineer

Until Filled (CST)

PVOH

Pasadena, TX, USA

Full Time

Competitive 401K Match and Retirement Savings, Paid Parental Leave, Annual Incentive, Flex Work Schedule, Attractive healthcare benefits package, Educational Reimbursement Plan, and more!

Title:

Technical Services and Development Engineer

Location:

Pasadena, TX

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.

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.

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.
• Support product promotion through technical literature, website content, trade show exhibits, and conference presentations.

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.

• Master's in STEM field required;
  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.
• 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 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.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Business acumen and ability to align technical recommendations with commercial objectives.
• Willingness to…