Research & Development Assistant - Lamination Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

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 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.

• Handle experimental setup, troubleshooting, and testing; collect, analyze, and present data with conclusions and recommendations.
• Join our Safe Work Permit writer team for Benger and Laminator process area
• Processes incoming requests related to MDXA, Personal Care sample production, and customer orders. This includes, but is not limited to:

• New Product Development sample runs (Direction from Researchers)
• Production runs for External Customers
• Management of raw materials needed to execute on development and production
• Nonwovens
• Yarn inventory
• Adhesive
• Mechanicals
• Leads and trains contract operators to execute Laminator trials and production runs

• Assist with Textile Testing including Fiber and Fabric Analysis techniques and testing for certification of customer samples, chlorine durability testing, dyeing and finishing and knitting as needed, and training allows

Demonstrated Behaviors:

• Ability to identify and mitigate process hazards and implement safe work practices.

• Uses troubleshooting skills to solve problems, while seeking best knowledge to ensure safety and compliance.
• Exhibits initiative by proactively seeking opportunities to enhance efficiency and productivity and actively implements strategies for improvement.
• 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)
• Able to sit, stand (up to 5 hours), walk (up to 4 hours), bend, twist, crouch, kneel, balance, reach at or below shoulder level, climb stairs, and work indoors or outdoors.
• Occasionally lift up to 20-75 pounds.
• Occasionally push/pull up to 100 pounds
• Occasionally carry 20-75 pounds
• Successful completion of a physical abilities assessment is required.

Qualifications (required):

• Associate’s degree or higher 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. This could include overtime needed for safe work permitting.

Qualifications (preferred):

• A bachelor's degree or above in textile science, chemistry, or related discipline

• 2 years' experience in fabric and end-use research

• Has prior experience in a research and development group.
• Courses/Training in Lamination process, Non-woven materials, Fabric content, performance testing, moisture management, dimensional stability, durability, tensile properties, construction details, data reporting