Job Description

Title: Application 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 31 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 Application Engineer provides specialized technical support to EVAL and Plantic customers while designing engineering solutions that meet business needs. This role bridges technical expertise with customer service, develops new applications for barrier technologies, and manages complex troubleshooting projects.

Responsibilities:

Customer Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned accounts, coordinating with Sales representatives and maintaining regular communication through multiple channels.
• Provide responsive technical assistance through specialized testing, on-site support at manufacturing plants, and training programs.
• Establish and maintain EVAL resins as the benchmark standard for barrier packaging applications.

Product Development & Commercialization

• Convert market requirements into technical metrics that drive new product development and R&D initiatives.
• Research technologies, conduct feasibility testing, and develop prototypes that meet defined technical requirements.
• Support new applications from concept through qualification to initial sales, collaborating with Market Development to connect customers with brand owners.

Application Development

• Research and propose innovative applications for barrier products across new industries, conducting proof-of-concept work with intellectual property potential.
• Build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders throughout the value chain to demonstrate solutions to industry challenges.
• Present field trial results at industry conferences and to regulatory agencies, highlighting economic and environmental benefits of our barrier solutions.

Project & Research Management

• Lead multiple technical projects aligned with our global strategy of leadership in barrier packaging solutions.
• Focus on defined product ranges and develop new testing approaches to meet changing market requirements.
• Deliver research programs with guidance from senior colleagues to advance technical capabilities.

Technical Troubleshooting

• Manage complex technical troubleshooting projects from diagnosis to resolution.
• Develop effective solutions for technical challenges with equipment and experimental processes.

Data & Innovation

• Analyze data from various sources to identify business impacts, opportunities, and competitive threats.
• Research relevant intellectual property and propose new product or application ideas.
• Evaluate complex intellectual property proposals for feasibility, relevance, and scalability.

Capability Development

• Enhance technical capabilities at KRTC and within the EVAL TS&D group.
• Recommend new processing or analytical equipment to address evolving market requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of technologies, regulations, and industry practices while developing personal skills through ongoing professional development.

Travel

• Ability to travel to LATAM up to 40%

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering branch including chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, or polymer science
• Minimum of three years of polymer processing experience in product development, manufacturing, or technical service role
• Knowledge of structural, mechanical, and rheological characteristics of polymers EVOH and other resins
• Understanding of polymer processing technology, testing methods, and end-use applications
• Understanding of downstream converting processes needed to develop flexible packaging structures fit for food packaging end uses.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, planning, and organizational skills
• Effective interpersonal communication and presentation abilities
• Creative and curious nature, energetic and persistent, not easily discouraged by failures
• High sensitivity to emerging applications and markets
• Ability to identify commercial potential of emerging technologies and products at early stages
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license.

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.

• Cultivate 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.

• Ensure Accountability- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

• Drive Results- Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances

• Collaborate- Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Value Differences- Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

• Communicate 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.

• Instill Trust- Gaining the confidence and trust of others (customers, agents, sales representatives, peers, and managers) 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.

You should be proficient in:

• Customer Service
• Bachelor's Degree