Instrumentation and Electrical Engineer

Title: Instrumentation and 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 I&E Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of instrumentation, electrical systems, and process control (DCS) systems. This role supports safe, efficient, and reliable operations through technical expertise, project leadership, and collaboration with operations, maintenance, and project teams.

Responsibilities:

Process Control / DCS Engineering:

• Design, program, and troubleshoot DCS systems (Yokogawa experience preferred).
• Design, specify, purchase, and install DCS devices and instruments.
• Configure DCS interlocks, sequences, PID control loops, signal indicators, and approved modifications from production.
• Diagnose, modify, and update DCS programs; investigate process or safety interlock issues.
• Support signals connected to DCS: 4-20 mA, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Modbus, Wireless, and On/Off signals.
• Provide first-level support for DCS process and safety interlocks; maintain DCS hardware contracts, system infrastructure, and graphics.
• Lead process control and productivity improvements; evaluate cost-benefit for system and technology upgrades.

Instrumentation & Electrical Engineering:

• Design, specify, and oversee installation of sensors, control valves, interlocks, DCS I/O, signal conditioning, transformers, MCCs, 480VAC starters, 120VAC/24VDC circuits, and VFDs.
• Review I&E drawings, prepare specifications, manage contractor bids, and supervise I&E projects.
• Conduct loop checks, operation checks, and parameter settings for instruments and electrical devices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve instrumentation and electrical issues.

Operational Support & Leadership:

• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting expertise, and leadership on task teams and special assignments.
• Collaborate with Operations to improve safety, yield, productivity, and uptime.
• Support Process Safety Management (PSM) initiatives including Process Hazards Analysis, Management of Change-Technology, root cause analysis, and RAGAGEP compliance.
• Train personnel to enhance process operations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of technology and industry best practices.
• Participate in cost-benefit analysis, capital projects, and process optimization initiatives.
• Provide occasional off-hours support for operational issues as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of experience doing I&E work in a manufacturing, chemical, or related industry.
• Strong experience with Yokogawa distributed control systems; experience with other DCS platforms is a plus.
• Knowledge of discrete, continuous, and sequential control, loop tuning, adaptive control, and feed-forward control modeling.
• Proven ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve equipment and process issues.
• Familiarity with key PSM elements including Process Hazards Analysis, Process Technology, Management of Change, and RAGAGEP.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coach team members in a collaborative environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex, time-sensitive projects.
• Excellent technical writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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.