Principal Engineer (PDE)- Fire and Security Alarm Systems
At UL, we know why we come to work.
Thousands of us around the world 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. UL 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!
We are seeking a Principal Engineer for Fire and Security Alarm Systems to join our team! Our ideal candidate will have working knowledge of Security System Installation and Services, Fire Alarm System Installation and Services, Alarm and Life Safety System Monitoring Services, Central Station/Monitoring Station Certification, US National Industrial and Security Service Certification. Having a background within a testing environment, knowledge of standard development processes, along with strong communication and presentation skills, are essential for success in this role.
What you'll learn & achieve:
This position will be responsible for driving consistency, integrity and engineering quality in the establishment and application of UL product safety certification requirements that are applied by staff located at all involved UL offices and affiliates globally. Performs duties as the Principal Engineer and as a Qualified Certification Reviewer for the assigned fire and security alarm systems standards and has working knowledge of UL safety principles and hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE).
- Based on input from Regional Lead Reviewers (RLR) and other subject matter sources, drafts, develops to implementation and maintains consistent and technically appropriate certification requirements in NFPA Installation Codes and Standards, ISO Standards, TMA Standards, UL and ULC Standards and Outlines of Investigations, as well as Certification Requirement Decisions (CRDs), Practical Application Guidelines (PAGs), Laboratory Procedural Guides, Standardized Appendix Pages (SAPs), Follow-up Inspection Instructions (FUIIs) and other standard specific ancillary documents to provide for consistent interpretation and application of requirements for UL's product certification services.
- Lead UL's participation in applicable outside Standards development and maintenance (ASTM, NFPA, TMA and ISO) to foster consistent and technically appropriate certification requirements.
- Develops and/or reviews the development of technical content that serves as the basis of training programs for Subject Matter Experts, Field Services and other UL staff to ensure appropriate and consistent application of requirements. Schedules staff meetings and/or teleconferences with RLRs for discussions of technical requirements, procedures, form usage, etc.
- Serves as the technical project handler of qualified New or Innovative products. In this role, develops or identifies requirements to address new technical developments or product features. Works in conjunction with and utilizes the resources of the Principal Engineering Manager, Principal Engineering Director, Chief Scientist, Research, Legal, and Operations to completely review the New or Innovative product and develop the appropriate requirements for certification. Utilizes external resources such as UL's Councils in determining impact on Codes and Standards. Prepares a letter report of findings for review by the Principal Engineering Manager/Director and distribution to the customer through Operations.
- Works with the responsible Commercial Operations staff to determine the need for and scope of an Certification Requirement Change (CRC) as the results of pending standards. Works with the responsible Operations staff to determine any necessary equipment and skills needed resulting from the changes to the standard. Also works with Operations to determine the effective date of any needed CRC. In conjunction with Operations, initiates CRCs for UL certified products, ensuring all affected clients are advised of the new requirements. Drafts Important Letter and other CRC form correspondence.
- Represents UL and participates in UL/Industry Technical Meetings and UL Council Meetings in the area of expertise as agreed to by Operations. Provides technical support and makes technical presentations. Assists Operations in the determination of new business opportunities. Advises Operations of the technical resources needed to actively participate in new businesses.
- Performs other duties as directed.
What makes you a great fit:
- Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering required
- Directly related work experience
- Working knowledge of security, fire detection, signaling transport, supervising station fire alarm systems, national industrial security systems, initiating devices, and indicating equipment and related safety and building code requirements
- Working knowledge of UL basic safety principles and Hazard-base Safety Engineering (HBSE).
- Demonstrated ability to apply engineering concepts in areas of expertise, including application to complex, new or innovative products.
- Demonstrated ability to present and draft technical papers on meaning of involved requirements and procedures.
- Ability to perform as a respected technical resource for peers, management and constituency.
- Detailed knowledge of UL's operational vocabulary and technical vocabulary common to involved categories.
- Detailed knowledge of related standards and codes, such as central station and managed video (UL827, UL 827A, UL 827B, UL2050, UL 1981), as well as NFPA 72, NFPA 110, TMA-AVS-01, TMA CSV-01 and related Canadian standards.
- Familiarity with collateral product standards associated with commercial security control units, intrusion detection equipment, fire alarm control units, and false alarm reduction.
- Detailed knowledge of Conformity Assessment Services, Follow-up Services, Standards programs and associated installation codes and guidelines.
- Working knowledge of industry issues, needs and problems.
- Working knowledge of cybersecurity solutions, IT infrastructure and platforms, artificial intelligence, video analytics and surveillance systems.
- Ability to establish, track and manage multiple projects while maintaining quality.
What you'll experience working at UL:
- 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 125 years and is deeply engrained 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. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
- 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: In the US, we provide lots of great benefits for our employees are their families. From Volunteer Days off to 401k match and retirement contribution benefits to flexible work location & schedule options we look to support our employees no matter what stage in life they are experiencing.
Learn More:
Working at UL is an exciting journey that twists and turns daily. We thrive in the twists and revel in the turns. This is our every day. This is our normal.
Curious? To learn more about us and the work we do, visit UL.com