Lead Research Engineer II - Fire Safety Research Institute

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes (ULRI), is recruiting a Lead Research Engineer II. In this role, the Lead Research Engineer II – ULRI initiates, directs, and executes high-level engineering research studies on fire dynamics that include experimental planning, design, data analysis and documentation. Leads studies and analysis to determine the feasibility of various engineering approaches. Develops concepts and criteria to resolve major problems in current programs or approaches. Serves as the primary source for fundamental engineering research, and acts as an in-house and outside expert. Plans and conducts experiments to further the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to hazard based safety engineering. Projects require substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art engineering principals and theories and uses professional concepts and procedures to solve a wide range of research-based problems. Projects require substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art engineering principals and theories and uses professional concepts and procedures to solve a wide range of research-based problems. 

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) furthers UL Research Institutes’ public safety mission by addressing unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. Conducting rigorous research to advance fire safety science and knowledge, FSRI shares its insights through extensive outreach and education to provide the information and resources that will create a more fire-safe world.ds. May plan tests, evaluate test results and report opinions and interpretations.  Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions in the lab and sample preparation workspaces.

At Underwriters Laboratories, we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. Underwriters Laboratories stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law. 

• Identify fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL’s thought leadership and support the strategy of UL.
• Apply intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to the specific research tasks. Exercises a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods.
• Analyze product data and laboratory test results in order to determine causes of problems and develop solutions, and evaluates technical specifications and factors related to process or design objectives.
• Stay ahead of changing technologies, in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, attending academic conferences, writing and collaborating on original publications, and delivering presentations on research engineering topics.
• Plan, design, and complete initial and follow-up procedures as needed to test and validate results.
• Collaborate with industry, academics and other research and development staff to apply the results of research used to develop new techniques, products, practices and UL Standards.
• Maintain and develop extensive knowledge of current and new technologies for new products, as well as current needs and trends.
• Oversight of multiple research projects and project teams.
• Serve as primary investigator (PI) for research projects.
• Research project budget responsibilities.
• Ensures research quality standards are met.
• Performs other duties as directed.

• Demonstrated general knowledge of scientific disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain academic and applied knowledge and skills.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Advanced data analysis skills.
• Advanced instrument design, installation and programming skills. Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers and other team members in order to complete a project from start to finish.
• Ability to serve as lead author on reports and papers.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in (related engineering discipline) plus 18 or more years of directly related work experience.
• Masters degree in (related engineering discipline) plus 14 or more years of directly related work experience.
• PhD in (related engineering discipline) plus 10 or more years of directly related work experience.
• Recognized accomplishments in technical research such as published peer reviewed works in technical journals, patents, or equivalent.

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. We provide Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that UL contributes to twice per year! Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

UL Research Institutes is an affiliated nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Inc., advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Inc., which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.