{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"757a0e5c971fd1699d932cfd","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/757a0e5c971fd1699d932cfd","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/757a0e5c971fd1699d932cfd","title":"Technical Services and Development Engineer","description":"Title: Technical Services and Development Engineer\r\nLocation: Pasadena, TX\r\nWho we are\r\nVoted 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.\r\nWhy Kuraray\r\nKuraray 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.\r\nAs 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.\r\nPosition Summary\r\nThe 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.\r\nThe 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.\r\nResponsibilities\r\nCustomer & Market Support\r\n\r\nProvide advanced technical support and expert solutions to key PVOH application accounts, ensuring high performance and customer satisfaction.\r\nDiagnose and resolve complex technical challenges related to PVOH applications in emulsion, adhesive, and construction segments.\r\nSupport Sales in defending existing business, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening customer partnerships.\r\nConduct customer visits, trials, and plant evaluations to assess product performance and application compatibility.\r\n\r\nProduct & Application Development\r\n\r\nLead new application development and commercialization projects for PVOH products.\r\nConduct laboratory experiments using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM) and mechanical testing.\r\nCollaborate with R&D teams in Japan and the U.S. to scale lab results to commercial production.\r\nDevelop intellectual property for PVOH applications and support patent strategies for new and existing products.\r\n\r\nLaboratory & Technical Leadership\r\n\r\nManage technical service projects and establish standardized work procedures for the U.S.-based PVOH Technical Service laboratory.\r\nEnhance laboratory analytical capabilities and develop new testing methodologies to address evolving product requirements.\r\nCollect and analyze data from various sources to inform research, identify trends, and propose actionable insights.\r\n\r\nCross-Functional Collaboration\r\n\r\nPartner with global technical teams to identify market opportunities and propose strategic projects.\r\nDevelop Non-Disclosure Agreements to maintain competitive differentiation.\r\nAssist manufacturing sites (Bayport and LaPorte) in resolving quality issues and driving process improvements.\r\nSupport product promotion through technical literature, website content, trade show exhibits, and conference presentations.\r\n\r\nContinuous Improvement & Compliance\r\n\r\nPromote safe work practices and adherence to all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory policies.\r\nDrive continuous improvement in technical service processes, documentation, and analytical capabilities.\r\nBuild technical and professional capabilities through training, certifications, and engagement with industry best practices.\r\n\r\nMinimum Qualifications\r\n\r\nMaster's in STEM field required; PhD in Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry Preferred.\r\nMinimum of 2 years of relevant experience in technical service, product development, or application engineering in a chemical, polymer, or materials industry.\r\nStrong understanding of small molecule chemistry, polymer chemistry, and polymer structure-property relationships.\r\nDemonstrated expertise in analytical techniques including NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM, and mechanical testing.\r\nIndustrial work experience in chemical, polymer, or materials industry highly preferred.\r\nProject leadership experience for new product development highly preferred.\r\nCustomer-facing technical service experience with product and application development highly preferred.\r\nGlobal business experience preferred.\r\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.\r\nExcellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.\r\nBusiness acumen and ability to align technical recommendations with commercial objectives.\r\nWillingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 40%).\r\n\r\nCompetencies\r\n\r\nCustomer Focus\r\n\r\nBuilding strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.\r\n\r\n\r\nBusiness Insight\r\n\r\n\r\nApplying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.\r\n\r\n\r\nCultivates Innovation\r\n\r\n\r\nCreating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.\r\n\r\n\r\nAction Oriented\r\n\r\n\r\nTaking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\n\r\nEnsures Accountability\r\n\r\n\r\nHolding self and others accountable to meet commitments.\r\n\r\n\r\nDrives Results\r\n\r\n\r\nConsistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance\r\n\r\n\r\nCollaborates\r\n\r\n\r\nBuilding partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.\r\n\r\n\r\nValues Difference\r\n\r\n\r\nRecognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization\r\n\r\n\r\nCommunicates Effectively\r\n\r\n\r\nDeveloping and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.\r\n\r\n\r\nCourage\r\n\r\n\r\nStepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.\r\n\r\n\r\nInstills Trust\r\n\r\n\r\nGaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.\r\n\r\n\r\nSituational Adaptability\r\n\r\nAdapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.\r\n\r\nWe 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.\r\nOur 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.\r\nApplicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.\r\nLearn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/\r\nKuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status\r\nNo third-party candidates accepted.","company":"Kuraray","rawCompany":"kuraray","city":"Pasadena","state":"TX","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-05-21T06:34:55.173Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-3029.00","title":"Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other","slug":"engineering-technologists-and-technicians-except-drafters-all-other"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"41-4011.00","title":"Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products","slug":"sales-representatives-wholesale-and-manufacturing-technical-and-scientific-products"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"},{"code":"325211","title":"Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing","slug":"plastics-material-and-resin-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Technical Services and Development Engineer","description":"Title: Technical Services and Development Engineer\r\nLocation: Pasadena, TX\r\nWho we are\r\nVoted 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.\r\nWhy Kuraray\r\nKuraray 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.\r\nAs 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.\r\nPosition Summary\r\nThe 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.\r\nThe 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.\r\nResponsibilities\r\nCustomer & Market Support\r\n\r\nProvide advanced technical support and expert solutions to key PVOH application accounts, ensuring high performance and customer satisfaction.\r\nDiagnose and resolve complex technical challenges related to PVOH applications in emulsion, adhesive, and construction segments.\r\nSupport Sales in defending existing business, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening customer partnerships.\r\nConduct customer visits, trials, and plant evaluations to assess product performance and application compatibility.\r\n\r\nProduct & Application Development\r\n\r\nLead new application development and commercialization projects for PVOH products.\r\nConduct laboratory experiments using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM) and mechanical testing.\r\nCollaborate with R&D teams in Japan and the U.S. to scale lab results to commercial production.\r\nDevelop intellectual property for PVOH applications and support patent strategies for new and existing products.\r\n\r\nLaboratory & Technical Leadership\r\n\r\nManage technical service projects and establish standardized work procedures for the U.S.-based PVOH Technical Service laboratory.\r\nEnhance laboratory analytical capabilities and develop new testing methodologies to address evolving product requirements.\r\nCollect and analyze data from various sources to inform research, identify trends, and propose actionable insights.\r\n\r\nCross-Functional Collaboration\r\n\r\nPartner with global technical teams to identify market opportunities and propose strategic projects.\r\nDevelop Non-Disclosure Agreements to maintain competitive differentiation.\r\nAssist manufacturing sites (Bayport and LaPorte) in resolving quality issues and driving process improvements.\r\nSupport product promotion through technical literature, website content, trade show exhibits, and conference presentations.\r\n\r\nContinuous Improvement & Compliance\r\n\r\nPromote safe work practices and adherence to all environmental, health, safety, and regulatory policies.\r\nDrive continuous improvement in technical service processes, documentation, and analytical capabilities.\r\nBuild technical and professional capabilities through training, certifications, and engagement with industry best practices.\r\n\r\nMinimum Qualifications\r\n\r\nMaster's in STEM field required; PhD in Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry Preferred.\r\nMinimum of 2 years of relevant experience in technical service, product development, or application engineering in a chemical, polymer, or materials industry.\r\nStrong understanding of small molecule chemistry, polymer chemistry, and polymer structure-property relationships.\r\nDemonstrated expertise in analytical techniques including NMR, IR, UV-Vis, GPC, GC, DSC, DMA, SEM, and mechanical testing.\r\nIndustrial work experience in chemical, polymer, or materials industry highly preferred.\r\nProject leadership experience for new product development highly preferred.\r\nCustomer-facing technical service experience with product and application development highly preferred.\r\nGlobal business experience preferred.\r\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.\r\nExcellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.\r\nBusiness acumen and ability to align technical recommendations with commercial objectives.\r\nWillingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 40%).\r\n\r\nCompetencies\r\n\r\nCustomer Focus\r\n\r\nBuilding strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.\r\n\r\n\r\nBusiness Insight\r\n\r\n\r\nApplying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.\r\n\r\n\r\nCultivates Innovation\r\n\r\n\r\nCreating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.\r\n\r\n\r\nAction Oriented\r\n\r\n\r\nTaking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\n\r\nEnsures Accountability\r\n\r\n\r\nHolding self and others accountable to meet commitments.\r\n\r\n\r\nDrives Results\r\n\r\n\r\nConsistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance\r\n\r\n\r\nCollaborates\r\n\r\n\r\nBuilding partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.\r\n\r\n\r\nValues Difference\r\n\r\n\r\nRecognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization\r\n\r\n\r\nCommunicates Effectively\r\n\r\n\r\nDeveloping and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.\r\n\r\n\r\nCourage\r\n\r\n\r\nStepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.\r\n\r\n\r\nInstills Trust\r\n\r\n\r\nGaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.\r\n\r\n\r\nSituational Adaptability\r\n\r\nAdapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.\r\n\r\nWe 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.\r\nOur 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.\r\nApplicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.\r\nLearn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/\r\nKuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status\r\nNo third-party candidates accepted.","datePosted":"2026-05-21T06:34:55.173Z","dateModified":"2026-05-21T06:34:55.173Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Kuraray","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Pasadena","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"757a0e5c971fd1699d932cfd"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/757a0e5c971fd1699d932cfd"}}