Performance Engineering Manager Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Role: Engineering Manager

Location: Waynesboro, Virginia, USA

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”.

As the Engineering Manager, you are a key member of the Waynesboro site leadership team, responsible for ensuring the reliability, integrity, and continuous improvement of all plant assets within a spandex manufacturing environment. You will lead the site’s maintenance, utilities and engineering functions, drive reliability excellence, and oversee the planning and execution of capital projects to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

The Engineering Manager works a day-based schedule, but has 24/7/365 responsibilities, so should assume that some night and/or weekend work will be required when necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as an active member of the site leadership team, contributing to overall plant strategy, performance, and culture.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for a multidisciplinary team including engineers, maintenance supervisors, craft mechanics and electricians, and utilities operating personnel.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental standards.

Maintenance & Asset Reliability

• Establish and sustain a robust maintenance program to ensure high asset availability and performance.
• Define and implement reliability strategies, including preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance.
• Utilize data and reliability tools (e.g., root cause analysis, failure modes and effects analysis) to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective planning, scheduling, and execution of maintenance activities.

Capital Project Management

• Lead the development, justification, and execution of capital projects aligned with business objectives.
• Manage project scope, budget, timeline, and resources to ensure successful delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project integration and startup.

Operational Excellence

• Manage two utilities operating areas in full compliance with EHS requirements, while ensuring continuity and reliability of services to the site.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Implement best practices in maintenance and engineering, leveraging industry standards and new technologies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and take proactive actions to achieve targets.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Process Technical, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functions to support plant performance.
• Engage with corporate engineering and external vendors to leverage expertise and resources.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related discipline); advanced degree preferred.
• At least 8 years of engineering and/or maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of maintenance and reliability principles and systems.
• Experience with capital project management and execution.
• Familiarity with process manufacturing, preferably in chemical or fiber production environments.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.

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, sustainable solutions, 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’re 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.