Polymer Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Role: Research Engineer 

Location: Waynesboro, VA

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 all over the world to leverage our innovative offerings including LYCRA® fiber, COOLMAX® fiber, THERMOLITE® fiber, SUPPLEX® fiber and TACTEL® fiber. The LYCRA Company is a leading supplier in the global apparel markets including ready-to-wear, intimate apparel, swimwear, activewear, outdoor and career apparel.

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

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. 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.

Role: Applications Research Engineer specializing in extrusion processes, mechanical testing, prototype development, customer/application evaluation, and commercialization support.

We offer competitive salary commensurate with experience. 

Location: Waynesboro VA, USA can be found 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 University of Virginia. Waynesboro’s small-town charm and close proximity to many historic sites, scenic parks, vibrant arts, food and culture locations, it one place you can easily fall in love with. 

Reporting to the R&D Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Job Responsibilities & Summary:

• 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.

Qualifications (Required)

• 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.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• 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. 

Compensation/Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary, including an 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.