Systems Administrator

Title: Systems Administrator

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 32 countries and employs more than 12,000 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 Systems Administrator is responsible for administering, securing, and modernizing Kuraray America's hybrid IT infrastructure, including on-premises systems, Microsoft cloud services, end-user computing platforms, and related business applications.

This role ensures reliable IT operations across corporate and manufacturing environments, partnering with global IT teams, vendors, and managed service providers to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performing technology solutions.

The Systems Administrator contributes to IT roadmap execution, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable business performance and growth.

Consistent with existing internal documentation, this role focuses on ensuring system stability, performance, and security while supporting users and business operations.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure, Cloud & Systems Administration

• Administer servers, virtualization platforms, storage systems, network devices, cloud resources, and business applications.
• Configure and maintain Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file and print services.
• Support Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Intune).
• Maintain hybrid connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and cloud environments.
• Monitor system health, capacity, performance, availability, and compliance.

Endpoint, Identity & Collaboration Platforms

• Support endpoint lifecycle management including provisioning, configuration, patching, and application deployment.
• Administer identity and access management (IAM), including MFA, conditional access, and privileged access controls.
• Ensure a secure, reliable end-user collaboration and productivity environment.

IT Service Management & Operational Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure, application, endpoint, and access-related issues.
• Participate in incident, problem, request, and change management processes.
• Execute maintenance, upgrades, and patching with proper testing and communication.
• Provide timely and clear updates to stakeholders to minimize business disruption.

Security, Compliance & Resilience

• Implement secure configuration standards and controls in partnership with IT Security.
• Support compliance with internal policies, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
• Assist with audits, risk assessments, and remediation activities.

Automation, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Automate and standardize IT operations using scripting (e.g., PowerShell) and monitoring tools.
• Maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and knowledge articles.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to IT modernization and roadmap initiatives.

Asset, Vendor & Project Coordination

• Maintain CMDB, asset inventories, and licensing records.
• Coordinate with vendors and managed service providers to ensure SLA performance.
• Support procurement, renewals, and vendor engagements.
• Assist with IT projects including planning, testing, and implementation.

Site Support & Travel

• Provide onsite and remote support across Kuraray America locations.
• Support plant systems, conference room technology, and business-critical events.
• Travel approximately 10% domestically (potential for international travel).
• Provide after-hours support for outages, upgrades, and critical business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Administration, or a related field or a minimum of 5 years of equivalent relevant experience.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting IT infrastructure within a hybrid, multi-site enterprise environment.
• Hands-on experience with core infrastructure technologies, including Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, and virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services, including Entra ID, Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Experience with scripting and automation tools (e.g., PowerShell) and managing endpoint environments.
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity best practices, including access controls, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint protection.
• Experience with IT service management (ITSM) processes such as incident, change, and problem management, along with strong troubleshooting capabilities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Ability to support after-hours work as needed and travel up to 10%

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.