Chemical Engineer (Japanese Bilingual)

The Chemical Engineer position at Tokyo Ohka Kogyo America, INC is based onsite in Hillsboro, Oregon, where work takes place in a lab and clean-room environment. This Japanese bilingual role focuses on safely and efficiently testing prototype products, development samples, and raw materials under SOPs and company policies, while developing materials to meet customer requirements under general supervision. The role carries a starting salary of USD 83,000 per year and requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, materials engineering, or chemical engineering, with a minimum of one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect work areas and equipment to identify hazards or malfunctions, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Operate computers and office systems to manage and present documents and data with high accuracy.
• Analyze complex data and communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Follow corporate, state, and federal regulations when handling hazardous materials, adhere to SOPs, and use PPE as required.
• Conduct research and development of formulations that meet customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot technical problems and recommend effective solutions.
• Test and analyze new formulations and raw materials on customer wafers using analytical and performance equipment.
• Establish test methods that correlate with customer results.
• Demonstrate the performance of new formulations in the laboratory, with or without customer attendance.
• Document and report technical data for both internal and external audiences.
• Read and interpret patents, research articles, and development documentation to inform work.
• Collaborate with the Research and Development team in TOK-Japan on the described tasks.
• Participate in external technical meetings with customers when required.
• Obtain data and documentation necessary to scale lab prototypes to mid/high-volume manufacturing.
• Create documentation for chemical inventories and waste generated during testing or processing.
• Provide custom manufacturing of chemical solutions for customers and internal evaluations.
• Set up lab instruments and equipment as needed.
• Support troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical and lab equipment; notify the tool owner of repairs and malfunctions.
• Evaluate new equipment and establish performance standards.
• Assist with operations for new projects.
• Engage in continuous improvement activities related to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Perform other duties to ensure smooth facility operation, including cleaning and housekeeping.
• Assist in shipping management of samples and products.
• Demonstrate high levels of engagement, coachability, and accountability for personal performance and its impact on others.
• Perform other necessary duties as requested.

Requirements

• Maintain ISO document and record control.
• Generate and/or maintain monthly documentation for equipment.
• Excellent bilingual communication in English and Japanese, both written and spoken.
• Stable, verifiable work history with an excellent attendance record.
• Comfortable working with chemicals, including corrosives and organic solvents.
• Team player who collaborates with other professionals.
• Good time management skills.

Technologies

• MS Office
• JMP
• XPS
• XRF
• Ellipsometer
• Goniometer
• Zeta-potential analyzer
• Optical microscope
• SEM
• TEM/STEM
• Electron Diffraction
• EDS

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (TOK pays 100% of the premiums for all employees)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid life insurance
• 15 paid Holidays
• Generous paid time off
• On-the-job training and skill development
• Employee assistance program

Periodical

• Attending annual and/or quarterly refresher courses related to hazardous waste management and handling, general safety, quality management, and environmental management.

Supervision

• Direct supervision is provided by the department supervisory team, including the Team Leader, Manager, and Deputy General Manager. Completed work is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established guidelines.
• The Chemical Engineer supervises R&D technicians and participates in data analyses and research studies.

Further Job Requirements

• Must possess a reliable means of transportation to and from work.

Other

• Personnel must successfully complete a program of on-site classroom instruction or on-the-job training to ensure compliance with all job requirements. Prior experience and/or certification that can be verified will be considered in evaluating training requirements.