Mechanical Engineer

Title: Mechanical Engineer

Location: Fayetteville, NC

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nations 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 Mechanical Engineer will provide technical leadership and support to the manufacturing team, working closely with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot, perform root cause analysis, and resolve issues. This role focuses on improving safety, yield, productivity, and uptime in the manufacturing process, identifying technology-related solutions and maintaining up-to-date technical knowledge. The Mechanical Engineer will also lead efforts to enhance manufacturing productivity, participate in capital projects, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and assist with training personnel. Proficiency in Six Sigma, Lean methodologies, AutoCAD, and/or SolidWorks is essential, as well as coordinating on quality and resolving customer complaints. Occasional after-hours support may be required.

Responsibilities:

– Provide technical leadership and engineering support to the manufacturing group.
– Assist Operations and Maintenance with troubleshooting, root cause analysis and problem solving.
– Work with Operations to improve safety, yield, productivity, and uptime.
– Recognize when process is not in control, and understand the steps needed to address.
– Identify and implement solutions to manufacturing issues related to technology.
– Maintain up to date technology information for the manufacturing area
– Lead manufacturing technology and productivity related improvements for the unit.
– Participate in and execute activities related to small or large capital projects (including commissioning, decommissioning, start-up, shut down, etc.).
– Understand and conduct cost benefit analysis for various projects and initiatives.
– Providing some after-hours assistance at the operations facility, if needed.
– Assist with training personnel within the organization to maintain and enhance process operations.
– Utilize Six Sigma and Lean methodologies for product and process improvements.
– Coordinate with Washington WV plant on quality problems related to raw materials.
– Participate and/or lead local/global yield teams.
– Write, plan, and execute Test Authorizations (TAs) for changing process conditions, new raw materials, nonstandard raw materials, customer requests, etc.
– Help ensure the reliability of equipment and infrastructure.
– Lead root cause analysis investigations.
– Drawing updates and reviews using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks.
– Help resolve cust mer complaints.

Minimum Qualifications:

– Bachelors degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Plastics, Rubber) or a related field.
– 5 to 10 years of experience as an engineer in the Chemical, Plastic, or Rubber industries.
– Familiarity with automation systems.
– Basic understanding of hydraulics and thermodynamics.
– Experience with extruders, assembly lines, and winders.
– Proven ability to apply technical knowledge for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving equipment and process issues.
– Knowledge of essential Process Safety Management (PSM) technology elements, including Process Hazards Analysis, Process Technology, and Management of Change-Technology.
– Experience in teaching, coaching, mentoring, and developing others in a team-oriented environment.
– Strong planning, prioritization, and management skills for handling multiple complexes, time-sensitive projects.
– Demonstrated leadership abilities, team-building skills, and effectiveness in achieving results through influence and negotiation.
– Six Sigma certification is preferred.
– Understanding of plant operations and key performance metrics.
– Ability to access and collaborate with relevant site and corporate teams for knowledge sharing and networking.
– Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.
– 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 drivers 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 organizations goals.
– Cultivate Innovation
– Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

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– 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