Cybersecurity Specialist

The Cybersecurity Specialist role supports Kuraray America’s chemical manufacturing operations by protecting the organization’s digital infrastructure. The position focuses on identifying, monitoring, and mitigating cybersecurity threats across both IT and OT environments, including responses to penetration attempts.

Work Location and Schedule

Houston, TX (hybrid). In-office time is required on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 security tools, including firewalls, patching systems, antivirus, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption solutions.
• Conduct vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and fault diagnostics.
• Address security risks and system weaknesses in a timely manner.
• Recommend and implement technical updates to strengthen the security posture.
• Help develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and compliance standards, including NIST and ISO 27001.
• Ensure daily work aligns with company policies and industry regulations.
• Assist with audits and support documentation for internal and external compliance needs.
• Implement and support disaster recovery plans and backup protocols, including maintaining accurate documentation for recovery and business continuity efforts.
• Perform system health checks, application testing, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve problems and improve performance.
• Stay current on cybersecurity trends, tools, and threat landscapes, and evaluate how new developments may affect the digital environment.
• Collect and analyze logs and security data to identify unusual activity or patterns.
• Support reporting processes and provide actionable insights from security data.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Technology, or a 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 including NIST and ISO 27001, plus regulatory compliance.
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, CEH, or CISSP (or willingness to obtain) are preferred.
• Familiarity with 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, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Technologies and Frameworks

• SIEM tools
• Firewalls
• Antivirus
• Intrusion detection/prevention systems
• Encryption solutions
• Vulnerability scanning
• NIST
• ISO 27001
• ICS
• SCADA
• OT cybersecurity

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base pay and an annual incentive
• Robust healthcare package including wellness reimbursements
• Three weeks of paid time off
• Ten company holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Education reimbursement
• Matching 401k plan

Compensation Incentive Program

The annual incentive program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.