Process Mechanic-LaPorte

Title: Process Mechanic

Location: LaPorte, 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 Process Mechanic (PM) plays a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous production by performing installation, repair, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of process equipment. This role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operations within a chemical processing environment.

The PM collaborates closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to support continuous production, maintain equipment integrity, and minimize unplanned downtime.

This role reports to the PM Maintenance Supervisor. Overtime may be required during major equipment issues or turnarounds. After gaining site familiarity, the Process Mechanic will participate in an on-call rotation.

Responsibilities:

• Fabricates, installs, repairs, and maintains process equipment and physical facilities, including pumps, valves, piping systems, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, compressors, centrifuges, agitators, and other production machinery.
• Performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime in a continuous chemical manufacturing environment.
• Troubleshoots mechanical issues; reads and interprets P&IDs, isometric drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications to diagnose and resolve problems.
• Uses a variety of hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, precision instruments, and rigging equipment to safely complete assigned tasks.
• Cuts, threads, fits, and assembles piping, plates, and tubing; inspects and repairs piping systems, vessels, and rotating equipment for leaks, corrosion, wear, and mechanical integrity issues.
• Performs precision leveling and alignment of pumps, compressors, motors, gearboxes, and other rotating equipment; conducts pump repairs, seal replacements, impeller adjustments, and overhauls.
• Performs confined space entry, gasket changes, and other internal equipment repairs as required.
• Supports equipment tie-ins, turnarounds, and shutdowns; coordinates with contractors when necessary.
• Actively follows all safety procedures and participates in company safety programs, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), hot work, confined space entry, and other required protocols.
• Uses SAP to review equipment history, manage work orders, locate parts, and complete accurate documentation (including time confirmation, variance codes, and job plans).
• Reviews and redlines maintenance procedures as needed; participates in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFAs).
• Continuously learns and enhances job skills while actively teaching and mentoring others to develop their technical capabilities.
• Actively participates in teamwork to meet business objectives; assists employees from other job classifications or departments and performs tasks normally associated with those functions when required.
• Performs all work for which they have been trained or have the demonstrated ability to accomplish in a safe and compliant manner.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed – on-call schedule methodology utilized.
• Be able to lift 55-lb.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in a refinery, chemical plant, or heavy industrial environment
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings
• Basic computer skills for documentation and maintenance systems (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel)
• Ability to stand for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders regularly
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks (confined space work, climbing, crouching, kneeling)
• Ability to work in PPE including respirators, heat-resistant gear, and confined space equipment
• Valid driver's license required

Preferred Qualifications:

• NCCER certificate(s) or technical program graduation
• Familiar with conditional monitoring techniques (e.g., lubrication, vibration, ultrasound)

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.