Process Engineer , Summer 2026
Job DescriptionJob Description
Title: Process Engineer , Summer 2026
Location: Fayetteville, NC
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:
Founded in 1926, 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.
Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation
Be part of a historic milestone as we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026! Our centennial year will be filled with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that reflect Kuraray's legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events while experiencing firsthand what it means to be part of a company with a century-long commitment to innovation, safety, and community impact.
Summary:
The Engineer will support key initiatives aimed at improving product quality, operational efficiency, and process reliability. This role involves identifying and implementing solutions to reduce recycling volumes attributed to "Other Process Problems," coordinating capital purchases for spare SentryGlas and Line 4 equipment, and aligning with project engineers on Management of Change (MOC) documentation for the Line 4 Extruder Recirculation Project. The will work closely with operations to manage recycle rates and inventory based on process test results, assist in the qualification of a new Lowinox vendor, and support the commissioning of laboratory testing equipment. Additional responsibilities include participating in local and global yield improvement meetings, leading a Test Authorization (TA) to evaluate the relationship between UV absorber concentration and UV transmission in SentryGlas 5000 products, and migrating the CADD Drawing System from an Excel-based format to a SharePoint platform. This position offers hands-on experience in cross-functional collaboration, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
The paid will be 13 weeks in duration for the summer of 2026 with flexible start dates. Student interns must be able to work full-time.
The will be split between a major project and daily tasks.
Housing will not be provided for the
Responsibilities:
- Identify and implement strategies to reduce recycling volumes categorized under "Other Process Problems"
- Coordinate the capital procurement of spare SentryGlas components and Line 4 equipment
- Collaborate with the project engineer to align on Management of Change documentation for the Line 4 Extruder Recirculation Project
- Work closely with SentryGlas operations to manage recycle rates and inventory levels based on process testing outcomes
- Support the qualification process for a new Lowinox vendor in collaboration with Anna Jones
- Assist the Engineering Specialist with the qualification and commissioning of new laboratory testing equipment
- Participate in both local and global yield improvement meetings to contribute to performance optimization
- Lead a Test Authorization initiative to compare UV absorber concentration with UV transmission in SentryGlas 5000 products
- Transition of the CADD Drawing System from an Excel-based format to a SharePoint-based platform
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
- Pursuing a B.S. in an Engineering discipline
- Completed at least one year of college education before beginning .
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and take initiative
- Strong academic performance minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA and extracurricular achievement.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy
- Demonstrated communication and leadership skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative and integrity.
- Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program.
- Must successfully pass pre-employment screening process.
- Must be at least 18 years of
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.
Please apply online at: http://www.kuraray.us.com/careers/
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S
Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer /protected veteran status.
No third-party candidates accepted.
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