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 Technical Service and Development Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Research Assistants, Material Handlers and Maintenance Technician, ensuring efficient maintenance of analytical equipment, pilot processing equipment, lab buildings, and utilities. This role supports various internal and external customer evaluations and facilitates specialized testing.
Responsibilities
Schedule and supervise the day-to-day activities of all Research Assistants, Maintenance Technician, Material Handlers.
Support the facilitation and oversee maintenance activities for analytical equipment, pilot processing equipment, lab buildings, and utilities.
Support various internal and external customer evaluations (machine availability, analytical tools, process tools - making sure it is up and running).
Maintain testing and calibration matrix
Identify and prioritize lab work to resolve customer complaints and technical support for manufacturing quality issues and process upsets.
Ensure all personnel follow company and industry standards for safety, chemical handling, disposal, and equipment operation.
Improve TS&D lab training program including a comprehensive training matrix targeting a career development plan for the Research Assistants and other lab members
Maintain lab procedures manual including existing and new complex test methods and procedures; identify issues and recommend improvements to contribute to further development.
Identify shortcomings and suggest improvements to existing processes, systems, and procedures.
Identify instances of noncompliance with organizational policies, procedures, regulatory codes, and codes of conduct within the team; report and escalate issues as appropriate.
Conduct annual performance appraisals and career development conversations.
Provide coaching to team members to develop their skills.
ISO participation specifically on calibration
Support the TS&D and EVAL Lab Manager with other duties
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree in a STEM field
15 years of chemical industry experience
Five years of laboratory management in an industrial environment.
Knowledge of polymer uses and properties.
Knowledge and understanding of polymer morphology, rheology, and thermal properties.
Knowledge and uses for various analytical testing such as DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, rheological testing, mechanical testing and others.
Knowledge of polymer extrusion equipment
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.
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.