Title: Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineer I supports the maintenance and reliability of mechanical systems and rotating equipment under the guidance of senior engineers. This role assists in troubleshooting, data analysis, and project support to ensure safe and reliable plant operation. The engineer develops foundational technical skills while gaining exposure to fixed and rotating equipment in a PSM-regulated chemical manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Mechanical & Reliability Engineering
- Assist with troubleshooting and maintenance support for rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, fans, blowers, turbines).
- Support mechanical integrity and reliability programs by collecting data and documenting findings.
- Participate in inspections, overhauls, and turnarounds with maintenance personnel.
- Help update P&IDs, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.
Design, Projects & Implementation
- Support capital and maintenance projects by reviewing vendor documentation and mechanical design packages.
- Assist in installation, commissioning, and startup activities for new or repaired equipment.
- Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to address mechanical reliability issues.
Data & Technical Analysis
- Gather and analyze equipment performance data to identify trends or early signs of failure.
- Document repair history, inspection results, and recommendations in SAP PM.
- Support testing and verification activities for mechanical upgrades.
Process Safety & Compliance
- Participate in PSM-related activities such as MOCs and procedure reviews under supervision.
- Ensure all work meets safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Learn and apply API, ASME, and other mechanical standards.
Continuous Improvement & Development
- Identify opportunities for small reliability or cost-improvement projects.
- Participate in maintenance procedure updates and PM plan improvements.
- Engage in professional development, technical training, and mentorship opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or graduating with Bachelors in Mechanical by May 2026
- Minimum of 3 months of mechanical engineering experience (chemical, petrochemical, or manufacturing environment preferred).
- Basic understanding of rotating and fixed equipment principles.
- Familiarity with API, ASME, and RAGAGEP
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SAP PM exposure preferred.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- 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 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.
