Kuraray America, Inc.
Maintenance and Reliability Engineer
Kuraray America, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, United States, 77505
Maintenance and Reliability 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 Maintenance & Reliability Engineer supports plant reliability, equipment performance, and mechanical integrity efforts within a chemical manufacturing environment. This role partners with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to improve asset reliability, support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and contribute to Mechanical Integrity and Process Safety Management (PSM) initiatives. The engineer provides technical support for turnarounds, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts while helping enhance plant safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Responsibilities Reliability & Maintenance Improvement
Support the development, optimization, and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including vibration and oil analysis.
Apply reliability tools such as root cause failure analysis (RCFA), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM) with guidance from senior engineers.
Monitor equipment performance and assist in identifying opportunities to improve uptime and reduce failures.
Mechanical Integrity & Safety Compliance
Support the Mechanical Integrity program to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and applicable regulatory requirements.
Prepare and maintain documentation related to inspections, MOCs, standard procedures, and audits.
Participate in PHAs, safety reviews, and internal/external audits as a technical contributor.
Equipment & Technical Support
Provide engineering support for fixed and rotating equipment, including tanks, vessels, piping, pumps, compressors, centrifuges, and extruders.
Assist with drafting equipment specifications and reviewing design documents for new installations or modifications.
Support troubleshooting, repair planning, and equipment overhauls in coordination with maintenance and operations teams.
Turnaround & Project Support
Support turnaround planning and execution activities to ensure safety, quality, and schedule objectives are met.
Provide technical input to capital projects related to equipment reliability, maintainability, and integration with existing systems.
Process & Performance Improvement
Contribute to reliability and maintenance improvement initiatives, including the adoption of new tools, technologies, and work processes.
Support efforts aligned with corporate digitalization and data‑driven maintenance strategies.
Assist with initiatives to improve equipment performance, safety, and environmental compliance.
Training & Collaboration
Assist in developing and delivering training for maintenance and operations personnel on reliability and mechanical integrity practices.
Actively participate in cross‑functional teams to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Data & Budget Support
Support collection, analysis, and reporting of maintenance and reliability data.
Assist with budget tracking, forecasting, and cost analysis in collaboration with plant leadership and senior engineers.
Minimum Qualifications (Revised)
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 3–7 years of experience in reliability engineering, maintenance engineering, or rotating equipment support within a chemical, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of PSM, Mechanical Integrity, preventive and predictive maintenance concepts.
Experience using CMMS systems such as SAP, Maximo, PCMS, or similar.
Fundamental knowledge of fixed equipment design, installation, and inspection practices.
Familiarity with API standards (e.g., API 510, 570, or 653) preferred.
Exposure to rotating equipment troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
Basic understanding of project execution, cost tracking, and business performance metrics.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
Effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across maintenance, operations, engineering, and contractor teams.
Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement, safety, and professional development.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a manufacturing environment.
Valid driver's license required.
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 circumstances.
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 401(k) plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third‑party candidates accepted.
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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 Maintenance & Reliability Engineer supports plant reliability, equipment performance, and mechanical integrity efforts within a chemical manufacturing environment. This role partners with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to improve asset reliability, support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and contribute to Mechanical Integrity and Process Safety Management (PSM) initiatives. The engineer provides technical support for turnarounds, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts while helping enhance plant safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Responsibilities Reliability & Maintenance Improvement
Support the development, optimization, and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including vibration and oil analysis.
Apply reliability tools such as root cause failure analysis (RCFA), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM) with guidance from senior engineers.
Monitor equipment performance and assist in identifying opportunities to improve uptime and reduce failures.
Mechanical Integrity & Safety Compliance
Support the Mechanical Integrity program to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and applicable regulatory requirements.
Prepare and maintain documentation related to inspections, MOCs, standard procedures, and audits.
Participate in PHAs, safety reviews, and internal/external audits as a technical contributor.
Equipment & Technical Support
Provide engineering support for fixed and rotating equipment, including tanks, vessels, piping, pumps, compressors, centrifuges, and extruders.
Assist with drafting equipment specifications and reviewing design documents for new installations or modifications.
Support troubleshooting, repair planning, and equipment overhauls in coordination with maintenance and operations teams.
Turnaround & Project Support
Support turnaround planning and execution activities to ensure safety, quality, and schedule objectives are met.
Provide technical input to capital projects related to equipment reliability, maintainability, and integration with existing systems.
Process & Performance Improvement
Contribute to reliability and maintenance improvement initiatives, including the adoption of new tools, technologies, and work processes.
Support efforts aligned with corporate digitalization and data‑driven maintenance strategies.
Assist with initiatives to improve equipment performance, safety, and environmental compliance.
Training & Collaboration
Assist in developing and delivering training for maintenance and operations personnel on reliability and mechanical integrity practices.
Actively participate in cross‑functional teams to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Data & Budget Support
Support collection, analysis, and reporting of maintenance and reliability data.
Assist with budget tracking, forecasting, and cost analysis in collaboration with plant leadership and senior engineers.
Minimum Qualifications (Revised)
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 3–7 years of experience in reliability engineering, maintenance engineering, or rotating equipment support within a chemical, petrochemical, or industrial manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of PSM, Mechanical Integrity, preventive and predictive maintenance concepts.
Experience using CMMS systems such as SAP, Maximo, PCMS, or similar.
Fundamental knowledge of fixed equipment design, installation, and inspection practices.
Familiarity with API standards (e.g., API 510, 570, or 653) preferred.
Exposure to rotating equipment troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
Basic understanding of project execution, cost tracking, and business performance metrics.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
Effective communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across maintenance, operations, engineering, and contractor teams.
Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement, safety, and professional development.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a manufacturing environment.
Valid driver's license required.
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 circumstances.
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 401(k) plan, among other offerings.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status
No third‑party candidates accepted.
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