Lead Applications Development Specialist

Role: Lead Applications Development Specialist

Location: Newark, Delaware, USA

The LYCRA Company is a premier supplier of differentiated fiber products from a global manufacturing base with assets in Europe, USA, 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 ingredient brand fibers including LYCRA fiber, COOLMAX fabric, THERMOLITE fabric, SUPPLEX fabric 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 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 making 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."

We are seeking a Lead Applications Development Specialist who will have responsibility for executing end-use application research and developments to support execution of our vision within our Product Development group, including the creation and development of programs that will focus on profitable growth. S/he will be a self-starter and an advocate for New Product Innovations as a key strategy for the success of the business.

Reporting to the US End Use Research Lead, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Work within the global Product Development team to identify, develop, and commercialize new opportunities for platforms/S-curves that will have a significant impact on the profitability of the business, with a specific focus on apparel end-use research and applications.
• Work in collaboration with the Product Development and Product Management teams to execute critical workflow steps that accelerate the successful development and scale up of innovations. This includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
• Establishing design of experiments and workflow to execute necessary research and development initiatives.
• Ability to lead and execute technical workflow in a laboratory environment.
• Execute practical consumer evaluations with fit models and consumer studies where applicable - this includes development of new techniques, as well as operation and analysis of existing garment engineering instrumentation.
• Scientific analysis and reporting of research and trade support initiatives.
• Stay abreast retail and consumer trends that can be utilized in identifying new innovation territories, applications and white space opportunities in apparel.

• Work closely with commercial and strategic marketing to 1) understand the customer/marketplace needs and opportunities, 2) to define the unique value offering and positioning of each new product vs. incumbents and competitors and 3) support the development and adoption of new product innovations with customers across the globe.

• Ensure proper documentation and processes are executed in accordance with The LYCRA Company's Innovation Framework Process.

• Contribute to a R&D environment that encourages creativity, innovation and accountability for actions within a collaborative global R&D network.
• Work with a bias for action, to advance or shelve programs based on evidence of market acceptance, technical feasibility and/or economic viability.

• Represent The LYCRA Company and demonstrate our innovations and capabilities to global customers across the value chain, including mills, brands and retailers in collaboration with the commercial and strategic marketing teams.
• Identify potential areas for new IP generation based on apparel end-use applications.
• Conduct all affairs lawfully and with integrity under the guidelines of The LYCRA Company compliance, legal and EHS policies.
• This role is based in Newark, Delaware.

Qualifications (Required):

• Apparel product development, R&D or product execution experience, with:
• BS in Textiles, Textile Management, Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry, Textile Design with 10+ years' experience, OR
• Masters or PhD in Textiles, Textile Management, Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry with 4+ years' experience
• Proven results developing new product innovations in apparel, specifically in fabric or garment development applications.
• Strong knowledge of textile processes, including fabric formation, dyeing & finishing and garment product development.
• Proven ability to proactively overcome obstacles while demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work in a global, multi-functional team environment, developing a strong network of relationships inside and outside the company.
• Global travel of 25%+ to work with regional commercial and technology teams and customers as needed.
• Ability to analyze and solve technical problems.
• Ability to manage multiple business priorities simultaneously and independently.
• Effective verbal and written communications within all levels of the business, both internally and externally.

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Experience in apparel design or garment fit process.
• Experience in trims, embellishment, decoration, screen printing in apparel applications
• Expertise in textile development with both natural and synthetic fibers.
• Well versed in trends in the science and technology landscape.
• Project management.

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.

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.