Maintenance and Reliability Engineer - Kuraray

Title: 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 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 Maintenance and Reliability Engineer provides mechanical and technical expertise to achieve the required reliable performance of new and existing equipment. This position is expected to support optimizing production processes with regards to safety, environment, reliability, quality, efficiency and regulatory requirements. Provides leadership in the selection, application, specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance of select rotating and stationary process equipment. The Maintenance and Reliability Engineer helps ensure work schedules are aligned with business plan objectives. The Maintenance and Reliability Engineer will also be responsible for leading the implementation and sustainability of condition monitoring programs required for mechanical integrity of equipment plant wide.

Responsibilities:

• Enhance Safety, Health, and Environment by maintaining and improving aging equipment in the plant.
• Identify and implement improvements for existing equipment and installations.
• Draft equipment specifications for specific process applications and contribute to project planning, scoping, and design review phases.
• Verify proper installation and oversee final commissioning of rotating equipment components and systems associated with maintenance or capital projects.
• Ensure all applicable detailed engineering deliverables are accurate (e.g., equipment lists, spare parts lists, mechanical data sheets, maintenance manuals).
• Develop local solutions to reliability issues and implement them across the company.
• Continuously improve equipment and system reliability using preventive and predictive maintenance systems, failure analysis, and root cause analysis.
• Guide the troubleshooting, repair, and refurbishment of plant mechanical systems.
• Develop, implement, and review equipment maintenance procedures to improve the consistency and quality of repairs.
• Maintain all required documentation and ensure compliance with relevant codes and regulations such as OSHA PSM.
• Participate in PHAs and audits related to the area of responsibility.
• Manage turnaround activities involving extensive overhauls on tight schedules to meet deadlines.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), HAZOP studies, Incident Investigations, and other safety studies where applicable.
• Assist in the training and development of both operations and maintenance personnel.
• Participate in plant safety observations, near-miss, and incident reporting investigations, and other plant-wide initiatives aimed at driving outstanding safety performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in a chemical, plastics, or continuous process plant.
• Strong safety and environmental commitment.
• Experience with rotating and fixed equipment (e.g., fluid flow design, vibration analysis, heat exchange equipment, compressors, pumps, vessels, piping, mechanical seals, blowers, and fans).
• Detailed knowledge of mechanical standards in the petrochemical industry and various Codes (e.g., API, ASME, ANSI, NFPA).
• In-depth knowledge of Process Safety Management - Mechanical Integrity and Quality Assurance requirements.
• Experience with ISO Quality Management Systems compliance in maintenance.
• Basic understanding of business and economic measures.
• Proficient with personal computers, Microsoft Office software, and SAP.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Good interpersonal skills for productive interactions with colleagues, contractors, vendors, and customers.
• Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a plus.
• 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.

• 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.

**Please apply online at: **http://www.kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer AA M/F/disability/protected veteran status

**No third party candidates accepted.

**

You should be proficient in:

• Creating Preventive Maintenance Plans
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills