Laboratory Technician

The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes (ULRI), is recruiting a Laboratory Technician. In this role, the Laboratory Technician, is responsible for preparing and maintaining research facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and assist with conducting and documentation of experiments. The Laboratory Technician follows defined test plans and protocols, operates and maintains power tools, heavy equipment, specific test equipment, communicates with other research staff during setup and operation to ensure proper and safe operations, and provides feedback to research staff regarding procedures and equipment issues.  May provide training to other staff on use of lab equipment and/or procedures. May assist with the planning of experiments.  Some travel required.

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. 

• Responsible for the setup and performance of equipment and instrumentation. Builds and/or adapts equipment to suit the need of experiments. Assembles fuel packages and needed instrumentation following schematics, wiring diagrams, using measuring instruments, and operational instructions.   Follows basically defined instrumentation plans and test protocols.
• Build and/or adapt research test fixtures, equipment, or instrumentation to new situations, based on instructions from researcher staff.
• Examine, maintain and repair instrumentation to new situations. Learns the principle of operation for each type of device with necessary supervision/support. Communicates with researchers during setup and operation to ensure proper evaluation.
• Operate designated machines, power tools, heavy equipment and specialized laboratory equipment. Performs routine maintenance and repair of equipment, shop and laboratory area. Perform basic calibration of test equipment.
• Read and understand specific test standards and testing technology and protocols for scope of responsibility with necessary supervision/support.
• Initiate recommendations for new equipment designs and recommends solutions to observed problems.
• Receive instructions from and reports data to researchers. May communicate with colleagues during test setups to discuss test methods and/or test results.
• Operate with minimal supervision within defined limits of responsibility.
• Record observed or calculated data in appropriate media, software and test reports. Ensure that data from notes or instrumentation are incorporated into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) or data repository and ensure accuracy.
• Integrate basic continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job. Communicate with technical staff to provide suggestions for new equipment, processes, and forms to improve accuracy and efficiencies.
• Support safety manager to maintain clean and safe work areas and identify safety concerns that need additional support for correction.
• Perform other duties as directed.
•  

• Ability to perform fire testing and experiments in a large-scale research environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe machine and power tool operation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of measurement instrumentation and troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to be innovative and creative.
• Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, bending, the ability to lift 50 lbs., work outdoors in hot and cold environments and ability to use safety equipment, such as a respirator.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, specifically PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
• Ability to use CAD software, video editing software and Github

Experience and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of related work experience.
• Knowledge or interest in Chemistry, Materials Science, Fire science, fire protection or chemical engineering.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following trades: construction, electrical, mechanical.
• Basic programming experience, preferred.  
• Firefighting certification, preferred.
• Commercial Drivers license, a plus.

• 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.