Research Engineer

Come and be a part of a best-in-class global R&D team creating new fiber innovation solutions for our Global Textile Apparel and Personal Care businesses. The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in the USA, Europe, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Singapore. Our Apparel business works with leading consumer brands, retailers, and fabric mills worldwide to leverage innovative offerings including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fiber, THERMOLITE® fiber, SUPPLEX® fiber, and TACTEL® fiber.

We are 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. 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 and disciplined problem-solving skills.

Waynesboro, VA, is located at the intersection of the scenic Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. A short drive from Charlottesville, VA (home of the University of Virginia), Waynesboro offers small-town charm with close proximity to historic sites, scenic parks, and vibrant arts and culture.

About the Role

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 specializes in extrusion processes, mechanical testing, prototype development, customer/application evaluation, and commercialization support.

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.

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, or 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 driven by a passion for innovation and focused by business goals.
• Effective problem solver with strong observation, critical thinking, and statistical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel globally as required, estimated 20-25% annually.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Material Science.
• At least 3 years of 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.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.