Technical Service Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Technical Services and Development 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 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 travel domestically and internationally (approximately 40%).

Competencies:

• 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.