Job Description

**Title: Quality 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 Quality Engineer has a key role **in maintaining and improving the quality management system required for operating the business in compliance with designated quality standards ISO-9001, IATF16949, GMP and others as needed. This position reports to the Quality Assurance Manager. The role entails coordination and facilitation of corrective action systems to improve quality performance, conducting statistical analysis, implementing root cause analysis to solve complex quality problems, coordination and execution of audits, and participation in 3rd or 2nd party audits as needed. The Quality Engineer provides expert guidance on quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities:

Quality Management System (QMS) Administration

• Carry out a range of quality management activities to maintain proper implementation of KAI EVAL's QMS.
• Participates in periodically meetings within the scope of the QMS and report status on quality activities as needed.
• Maintain the document control process in all documentation for the Quality Management System
• Coordinate and participate in the review and development of Failure Mode Effect and Analysis, Control Plans, Measurement Systems Analysis, Product Part Approval Process, Customer Specific Requirements, and Process Capabilities studies
• Support the traceability of documentation and processes of finish product.

Auditing and Compliance

• Schedule and coordinate the internal audit program.
• Participate and support the coordination of third-party certification audits
• Develop individual audit plans, conduct audits, and report findings.
• Evaluate corrective actions with auditees and refer serious or contentious issues to lead auditors. Escalate issues as appropriate.
• Conduct proper follow up on Non-Confirmative/Corrective actions until closure approval.
• Report periodically audits status

Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate the corrective action request system to improve quality performance and ensure compliance with quality standards, customers, and organization's QMS.
• Identify shortcomings in compliance processes, systems, and procedures
• Develop solutions to problems within assigned units or disciplines
• Plan and coordinate testing and inspection of products and processes
• Verify implementation of corrective actions or continuous improvement initiatives and monitor effectiveness
• Support and assist in process and quality improvements using Lean and Six Sigma analysis tools
• Report periodically the CARs status

Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving

• Facilitate and expedite formal root cause analysis of quality issues to comply in form and timely manner with customer and organization's requirements
• Identify systemic or process-related causes of quality issues
• Assist in the development of corrective actions within established systems
• Apply statistical analysis and statistical process control techniques

Training and Development

• Develop and conduct training courses to fill gaps in existing programs, methods, or tools related to the QMS.
• Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures
• Resolve queries and issues, referring to very complex or contentious issues to others
• Manage timely response to customer quality management system questionnaires

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment and quality assurance activities (audits, CARs, RCA)
• Excellent working knowledge of relevant quality management standards (ISO9001, GMP, IATF16949) and related management systems
• Experience in use of statistical analysis and statistical process control techniques in manufacturing
• Understanding of Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing concepts
• Training and experience in Root Cause Analysis methods in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of FMEA or other risk analysis methods
• Proficiency with document management systems and workflows
• 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.

• 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

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)