Research & Development Associate - Fabric Testing, Dyeing, Finishing

Job Title: Research & Dev. Associate - Fabric Testing, Dyeing, Finishing

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.

Location:    Waynesboro, VA, USA  

The position of R&DA supports our development efforts at Benger Laboratory, the global headquarters for The LYCRA Company’s R&D team. The successful candidate will be a member of Benger’s End Use Research sub-team and report directly to the Laboratory Manager with technical oversight from the End Use Research Team.

Key Responsibilities and expectations:

• Conducts experiments under the supervision of researchers following appropriate procedures and instructions, while communicating results in a timely manner.
• Performs basic analysis and presentation of test results in requisite form, utilizing electronic reporting tools.
• Completes assigned tasks with only general supervision, while striving for a high level of proficiency and quality of results.
• Operates, calibrates, maintains, and services lab equipment in your assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assists in installation, start-up, and operation of new equipment as needed by researchers.
• Assists in the development of new test methods and writes job procedures including job safety analyses when needed, in consultation with researchers.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and experience in conducting laboratory bench scale tests and safely handling chemicals including familiarity with SDS and GHS Hazards communications systems.
• Be responsible for experimental setup, troubleshooting, and testing. In addition, responsible for data collection, analysis, and presentation of conclusions and recommendations.
• Executes on incoming requests for sample fabric analysis. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Fabric content – fabric density, microscopy, construction mapping
  • Performance testing – moisture management, air permeability, growth, durability, Instron analysis
  • Textile wet processing – fabric diagnostics, dyeability studies
• Administrative tasks – Data entry, notes & observations
• Executes on incoming requests for dispersion prove outs and customer support requests. This includes, but is not limited to,
  • New Product Development printability trials
  • Print suitability trials on various fabrics
  • Certification requests and trade support

Demonstrated Behaviors:

• Uses troubleshooting skills to solve problems, while seeking best knowledge to ensure safety and compliance.
• Demonstrates self-motivated behavior, identifies ways to improve efficiency and productivity and works to implement improvements.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses strong observational and critical thinking skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as is required by the operating areas (i.e. safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection and at times, a respirator)
• The ability to sit, stand (up to 5 hours), walk (up to 4 hours), bend/stoop, twist, crouch, kneel, balance and reach at shoulder level and below shoulder level, climb stairs, work indoors and in outdoor environment.
• Occasionally lift up to 20-75 pounds.
• Occasionally push/pull up to 100 pounds
• Occasionally carry 20-75 pounds
• Must pass a physical abilities test.

Qualifications (required):

• Associate’s degree in textile Science, chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with MS Office Software
  • Excel – working knowledge of spreadsheets and statistical analysis
  • Word – document creation/editing
  • PowerPoint – presentation creation/editing
• Available to work 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm (or 7:00am – 3:30pm) and overtime when needed.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in textile Science, chemistry, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in prior end use research role.
• Experience working for a research and development group.
• Courses/Training in Knitting, Fabric content, performance testing, moisture management, dimensional stability, durability, tensile properties, construction details, data reporting