Cybersecurity Specialist

Title: Cybersecurity Specialist

Location: Houston, 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 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 Cybersecurity Specialist to safeguard the digital infrastructure of our chemical manufacturing operations. This role plays a key part in protecting the company's IT and operational technology environments by identifying, monitoring, and mitigating cybersecurity threats, including responding to penetration attempts by malicious hackers. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in cybersecurity, with expertise in threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

This is a hybrid role coming into the office Tuesday and Wednesday.

Responsibilities:

Cybersecurity Monitoring & Threat Response

• Monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents across IT and OT environments.
• Identify and respond to penetration attempts, malware, and other security threats.
• Maintain and manage tools like firewalls, patching systems, antivirus, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption solutions.

Vulnerability Management & Risk Mitigation

• Conduct vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and fault diagnostics.
• Address security risks and system weaknesses in a timely manner.
• Recommend and implement technical updates to improve security posture.

Security Policies & Compliance

• Help develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and compliance standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Ensure daily work aligns with company policies and industry regulations.
• Assist with audits and documentation to support internal and external compliance needs.

Data Protection & Business Continuity

• Implement and support disaster recovery plans and backup protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation for recovery and business continuity efforts.

System Testing & Performance Monitoring

• Perform system health checks, application testing, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Work with cross-functional teams to resolve problems and improve performance.

Emerging Threats & Technology Trends

• Stay updated on cybersecurity trends, tools, and threat landscapes.
• Evaluate how new developments could affect the company's digital environment.

Security Reporting & Analysis

• Collect and analyze logs and security data to identify unusual activity or patterns.
• Support reporting processes and provide actionable insights from security data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of cybersecurity experience, preferably in manufacturing or chemical industries.
• Experience with SIEM tools, firewalls, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, and incident response.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001) and regulatory compliance.
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, CEH, or CISSP (or willingness to obtain) are preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, or OT cybersecurity is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• 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.

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 America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.