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 serve. 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.&