Technical and Marketing Specialist (TS&D Specialist)

at  Kuraray America

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Technical and Marketing Specialist, you will play a key role in assisting current and prospective customers with the technical qualifications and processing of AIS products. Your responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with key industry contacts such as equipment suppliers, consultants, and participating in industry committees and organizations. You will also collaborate closely with Sales Managers to deliver value-added services to customers.
A critical part of your role will involve developing and implementing procedures for conducting basic quality tests on laminated safety glass. You will acquire extensive knowledge of the product approval process, building codes, and the specific testing requirements for hurricane-resistant products. This includes working directly with manufacturing plants to investigate and resolve interlayer quality issues and implementing necessary improvements.
Additionally, you will provide competitive analysis of interlayer products, investigate field failures, and prepare detailed reports including lamination, technical service, and project management insights for customers as needed. This position requires a deep technical understanding of laminated glass products, as well as a proactive approach to quality and customer service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in a technical discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in related industry
• Experience in technical or business development
• Prior experience in designing or testing window systems is key to resolving test failures.
• Experience with hurricane resistant systems
• 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-taskCandidates must have a valid driver’s license

• Provide technical service and process training to new and existing customers to ensure effective product use and optimized performance.
• Collaborate with Sales and the Technical Service Manager to enhance customer relationships and identify opportunities for profitable business growth.
• Work closely with hurricane system manufacturers to test and certify AIS products, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Actively participate in industry committees and organizations to stay informed on trends, contribute to industry standards, and represent the company.
• Communicate test results from customer samples promptly, offering suggestions for improvement and solutions to technical challenges.
• Interact with both local and global colleagues to maintain consistency in testing protocols and procedures across regions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry equipment manufacturers to promote KIS products, drive growth and market penetration.
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in a technical discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in related industry
• Experience in technical or business development
• Prior experience in designing or testing window systems is key to resolving test failures.
• Experience with hurricane resistant systems
• 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-taskCandidates 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.