Director Applied R&D

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of R&D is a senior technical and business leader responsible for shaping and growing UL Solutions' applied research capability. This role leads multidisciplinary teams working across Fire Science, Batteries and Energy Storage, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Systems.
This leader is both a deeply accomplished engineer and a practical business builder. They translate technical excellence into customer value and sustainable revenue. The role is charged with expanding the influence of R&D on company strategy, strengthening engagement with internal and external customers, and driving growth through contract R&D programs and new, high-value service development. The position sits at the intersection of technical rigor, market awareness, and business execution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Set and drive technical direction across multiple engineering and science disciplines.
• Lead development of innovative, practical solutions to complex customer and industry problems.
• Serve as a recognized technical authority and trusted advisor within UL Solutions and with customers, partners, and regulators.
• Promote a culture of creativity, speed, disciplined experimentation, and strong engineering fundamentals.

Strategy & Market Insight

• Translate market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies into clear R&D priorities.
• Influence company direction by connecting technical capability to long-term growth opportunities.
• Identify white-space opportunities where UL Solutions can lead through new methods, tools, or services.
• Business Development & Revenue Growth
• Generate revenue through contract R&D programs with strategic customers.
• Lead the creation and launch of differentiated, high-value technical services.
• Partner closely with sales, marketing, and product teams to shape compelling customer value propositions.
• Support strategic pursuits by providing technical leadership, credibility, and solution framing.

Customer & Ecosystem Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, regulators, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Increase customer engagement with R&D through collaborative programs, joint development work, and advisory roles.
• Represent UL Solutions in industry forums, technical committees, and standards organizations as appropriate.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop high-performing teams of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists across multiple disciplines.
• Create an environment that values technical rigor, curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Actively mentor and coach technical staff, from early-career engineers to senior subject-matter experts.
• Identify and develop future technical leaders, including succession planning for critical roles.
• Align individual development plans with business needs and long-term organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in engineering or physical sciences (PhD preferred; MS with strong applied experience acceptable).
• Deep technical expertise in at least one core discipline, with credibility across multiple engineering domains.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing engineers and scientists in applied R&D or advanced engineering environments.
• Proven track record of delivering complex R&D programs with measurable customer, technical, or commercial impact.
• Experience working with industry, regulators, and standards bodies is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development, customer engagement, or commercialization of technical work.
• Innovative problem solver who focuses on outcomes and practical solutions.
• Technically accomplished engineer with sound judgment and intellectual curiosity.
• Thought leader and outstanding communicator, effective with executives, customers, and technical peers.
• Strategic thinker who understands markets, customers, and competitive dynamics.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to convert technical capability into revenue-generating offerings.

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career . The estimated salary range for this position is $183,000 to $244,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 30% of the base salary and a 30% RSU grant. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (20 days), holidays including 3 floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).
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ABOUT US
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.