Research Engineer

The Lycra Company LLC•Waynesboro, VA

22d•$104,000 - $118,000•Onsite

About The Position

The LYCRA Company is seeking an Applications Research Engineer focused on translating fiber and fabric technologies into application-ready solutions through mechanical testing, product performance evaluation, prototype development, and commercialization support. As part of an industry-leading team of R&D experts, you will help identify, propose, and execute innovation projects that provide competitive advantage and have significant value creation potential. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical training in mechanical engineering, materials science, textile engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, disciplined problem solving, personal accountability, economic decision making, and critical thinking skills. The successful candidate will be a self-starter and advocate for New Product Innovations as a key strategy for the success of the business. This role specializes in extrusion processes, mechanical testing, prototype development, customer/application evaluation, and commercialization support.

Requirements

BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Material Science
At least 5 years of experience as a Chemical Engineer, Polymer Scientist, Spinning Process Engineer, Mechanical Engineer
Demonstrated excellence in ethics, compliance, and EH&S performance
Results oriented, motivated, and effective contributor in a collaborative, diverse team environment
Creative, entrepreneurial spirit that is driven by a passion for innovation and focused by business goals
Effective problem solver with strong observation and critical thinking skills and statistical skills
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Flexibility to travel globally as required, estimated 20-25% annually.

Nice To Haves

MS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Material Science
At least 3 years of experience as Chemical Engineer, Polymer Scientist, Spinning Process Engineer, Mechanical Engineer
Experience in research and development of fibers.
Demonstrated project leadership skills that produce outstanding results
Strong background in statistical design of experiments and analysis of data from lab/semiworks experiments and plant operations.

Responsibilities

Identify, propose, plan, and execute innovation projects that provide competitive advantage and have significant potential to create value.
Lead and support technology scale-up, product validation, and commercialization activities with a focus on fiber and material performance, mechanical property testing, prototype development, application trials, and translation of customer needs into technical requirements.
Assist with resolution of production, product performance, application testing, and quality issues.
Build strong collaborative relationships with researchers, technicians, and manufacturing and business/commercial leaders.
Maintain compliance and excellence in EH&S (Environmental Health & Safety) processes.
Contribute to an R&D environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and accountability within a collaborative global R&D network.
Stay abreast of the competitive landscape and external polymer fiber production and textile world to gather insight and inspiration.