Internship Optimization Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Role: Process Engineer 

Location: Waynesboro, VA

The LYCRA Company has built a leading position in the Apparel industry over the years via a continuous stream of value-adding fiber, fabric, or garment innovations enabled and supported by a network of strategic partners across the entire value chain. This contributed to make the LYCRA® brand a unique asset that still powers today one of the most iconic and valuable corporate franchises in the Apparel industry. It is all reflected in our corporate vision: “enhancing life through innovative garment solutions”. 

The primary role of a Process Engineer is to continuously identify options that will improve or optimize the manufacturing process. Additionally, the engineer will be a technical resource to Operations that will share knowledge and expertise of both equipment and process function. A key responsibility for this role will be a strong demonstrated focus on understanding and driving process interruptions to root cause. This position has a high level of autonomy and therefore requires a self-starter comfortable with challenging the status quo. The ability to explain difficult concepts through good communication skills both written and verbal is essential. 

This position will offer the opportunity to greatly expand and strengthen engineering skills and other Operational support needs by working with Waynesboro’s Technical Team in identifying/analyzing process trends and creating/implementing targeted changes that will further improve and optimize current processes. Other responsibilities include:

• Leading initiatives for process optimization to maximize measures of quality, production, and yield
• Leading root cause investigations
• Working with operators, maintenance, technical professionals, and site leadership to resolve problems in polymerization or spinning processes
• Working with the Global R&D team to scale up new products and processes
• Developing scopes, plans, estimates, and specifications for capital projects
• Mentoring operators and maintenance personnel for deeper understanding of fundamental process operation and process equipment
• Troubleshooting finished product quality events

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Work experience in a technical, manufacturing, or operations environment, including internships
• Strong problem solving, statistical thinking, communication, collaboration, EHS
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL, and Power BI 
• A personal interest in developing and growing a strong capability for data mining and data analytics

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
• At least 2 years of experience in a technical, manufacturing, or operations environment
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL, and Power BI

Compensation/Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary, including variable pay and excellent benefits package.

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, and unmatched marketing support. The LYCRA Company owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®. The LYCRA Company’s legacy stretches back to 1958 with the invention of the original spandex yarn, LYCRA® fiber. Today, The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit www.thelycracompany.com. 

As a principled-based organization, The LYCRA Company is committed to a fair, respectful, and equitable workplace that embraces diversity and reflects the communities in which it operates. This helps foster an environment where employees feel valued, fulfilled, and able to achieve their full potential. Furthermore, we believe that a diverse workforce operating in such an environment is central to our success, as we need not only the right skill sets but also a wide breadth of perspectives and ideas, diverse life experiences, & a seamless collaboration between employees to achieve our company purpose of “enhancing life through innovative garment solutions. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.