Electrical Engineer

Title: Electrical 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 Electrical Engineer serves as the site's subject matter expert (SME) for electrical and instrumentation systems, providing leadership in design, reliability, and strategic improvement initiatives. This role oversees complex electrical infrastructure projects, ensures power distribution reliability, and supports plant operations through advanced troubleshooting and system optimization. The engineer mentors junior staff, collaborates cross-functionally, and drives innovation in energy management and equipment reliability.

Responsibilities Electrical & Power Systems Leadership

• Lead design and analysis of power distribution systems including substations, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, motor starters, protection relays, and generators.
• Conduct short-circuit, protective device coordination, and arc-flash studies.
• Establish and maintain reliability and PM programs for power distribution systems, including coordination of outages with power suppliers and utilities.
• Oversee acceptance testing and commissioning of new electrical infrastructure; manage VFD selection and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, IEEE, ANSI, IEC, and applicable corporate and regulatory standards.

Instrumentation & Controls

• Provide technical support and maintenance for process instrumentation including pressure, flow, density, and viscosity transmitters and control valves.
• Support integration between instrumentation, PLCs, and DCS platforms (Yokogawa preferred) and develop strategies to improve calibration and system reliability.

Projects & Strategic Initiatives

• Manage large-scale electrical and I&E capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Review and approve equipment specifications, vendor drawings, and installation standards.
• Collaborate with external engineering firms and utilities on design and infrastructure upgrades.
• Lead cost reduction, energy efficiency, and modernization projects.

Reliability & Maintenance Excellence

• Develop long-term reliability strategies for power and control systems using predictive and condition-based maintenance.
• Partner with maintenance and reliability teams to analyze failure data and implement sustainable improvements.
• Serve as technical authority during shutdowns, startups, and complex maintenance events.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide site training on electrical safety and system operation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Site Technical, and Line Management; represent the site in corporate technical networks as applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial electrical engineering, preferably in chemical or manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in medium/high voltage power systems, protection relays (GE Multilin), and VFDs.
• Proficiency in electrical standards (e.g. NEC, IEEE, ANSI, IEC etc.) required.
• Strong trouble shooting skills and PLC expertise.
• Proficiency in SAP and other computer software's like Power BI, Excel, SharePoint.
• Advanced proficiency in power system studies and electrical reliability programs.
• Proven leadership in capital project execution and contractor management.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation systems, DCS communication, and automation integration.
• Excellent communication, planning, and leadership skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or pursuit strongly preferred.
• 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.