Research & Development (R&D) Engineer na Davlyn Group

Description

The R&D Engineer will design, test and commercialize advanced fabrics and composite materials that deliver superior thermal insulation, heat dissipation, sealing performance and temperature regulation in extreme environments. This position will continually develop new innovative products, growing the Company and solidifying Davlyn’s position as the leading manufacturer of best-in-class protection solutions for the energy, industrial and transportation markets. The R&D Engineer must be curious, willing to take risks and possess an entrepreneurial mindset. This position combines materials science expertise, hands-on textile engineering skills and a passion for performance-driven product innovation.

Davlyn Group is a fast growing, privately owned technical textile company based in Spring City, PA, just outside of Philadelphia, with additional locations in Norristown, PA, Independence, VA and Juarez, Mexico. Through our Amatex, Darco Southern, Davlyn Manufacturing, and Norfab businesses, our products and engineering services are used by thousands of customers in over 50 countries to help keep heat in its place, improve safety, and increase productivity. DGH is a leading manufacturer of technical textiles, fabrics and yarns used in the appliance industry, industrial markets, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Research & Innovation:
• Lead R&D projects for the Industrial segment within Davlyn Group, including fiber selection, yarn design, nonwoven/fabric construction, braiding, weaving, twisting, coatings, laminations, and composite systems.
• Investigate and apply emerging materials such as fiberglass, aluminized fabrics, ceramic fibers, phase change materials (PCMs), aerogels, nanofibers, reflective barriers, advanced ceramics, and thermal coatings to enhance thermal performance.
• Designing & Prototyping
• Rapidly develop prototypes using weaving, knitting, nonwoven, braiding, twisting, and/or lamination processes.
• Develop and maintain the internal lab and external partners to iterate and validate material performance. Applications include oven gaskets, Automotive protective textile sleeves/wraps, aerospace and space exploration insulation, as well as high-density ropes and tapes for industrial furnaces.
• Translate thermal performance targets into material specifications and construction parameters, develop these, and process samples.
• Testing & Validation
• Plan and execute laboratory and field testing for thermal conductivity, insulation value (Clo/R-value), heat flux, moisture vapor transmission, flammability, durability, cyclic thermal exposure, and mechanical performance under heat.
• Analyze test data, identify trends, and recommend design improvements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards (ISO, ASTM, EN, NFPA, UL, MIL, FAA, Automotive).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with product design, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure materials meet performance, scalability, and cost requirements.
• Collaborate with customers, external labs, internal leadership, and partners to validate performance requirements and support certifications.
• Participate in and lead the Stage Gate process for Davlyn Group.
• Communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Project Management
• Define project scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Prepare technical documentation, material specifications, and reports.
• Support scale-up from prototype to full-scale production, including pilot-line trials.
• Deliver projects on time and in scope with a bias for action.
• Opportunity to lead engineers/technicians and contribute to project budgets.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.5+ years of progressive experience in a related Manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of R&D experience in performance textiles, preferably with a focus on thermal management.
• Hands-on experience with fiber/yarn production, textile construction, coatings, and lamination processes.  
• Familiarity with thermal performance testing methods and equipment. 
• Experience in adjacent industries (aerospace, defense, protective fabrics, polymers, composites) strongly valued.

SKILLS

• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation).
• Proficiency with data analysis and interpretation of physical property test results.
• Ability to translate market needs into technical requirements.
• Project management and documentation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset.
• CAD, AI platforms, spreadsheets, Microsoft Office.
• Six Sigma Greenbelt or higher (preferred).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with functional finishes (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, antimicrobial).
• Experience with simulation software for thermal modeling (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL).
• Patent development or technology transfer experience. 
• Ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment

EMPLOYMENT TYPE, CLASSIFICATION & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• This is an on-site, full-time, exempt position.
• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, with a 60-minute unpaid lunch.
• Department demands may necessitate additional work outside of the standard work schedule.

POSITION TYPE

This role is an individual contributor, someone who provides specialized work & expertise and contributes directly to the Organization’s success without managing other people.

TRAVEL

This position will occasionally travel to other Davlyn locations. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of walking, standing, pushing, pulling, bending and/or kneeling.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity; ability to touch and feel.
• Ability to safely navigate around manufacturing equipment.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and visually identify products.
• Ability to speak and hear clearly to communicate, listen, discern, convey, express and exchange information.
• Must be able to independently lift up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environmental characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Temperature-controlled office setting.
• The manufacturing facility may be hot and/or cold, based on the time of year.
• Many areas of the production floor have a very high noise level. OSHA-compliant hearing protection is required in these areas.
• Contact with fiberglass and fiberglass fibers.
• Contact with moving mechanical parts.

Davlyn Group believes that all people are entitled to equal employment opportunities. Davlyn Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Davlyn Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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