Lead R&D Engineer - Combustion and Explosion Simulation

JOB DESCRIPTION
The UL Solutions Research and Development team and Modeling and Simulation team are seeking a driven and team-oriented individual to work with us on modeling and simulation of emerging fire and explosion safety problems. Many of these problems will focus on the energy and fire protection industries, including lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, battery energy storage system gas explosions and fires in the built environment. Robust knowledge of heat transfer, combustion and computational fluid dynamics and robust knowledge of state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics software and finite element analysis software are required. A successful candidate will be creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced and multi-disciplined environment and willing to work collaboratively with a team of other engineers and scientists to problem solve.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities

• Under general direction, build computational models of physical phenomena such as vented deflagrations, fire suppression, fire spread and fluid flows for internal and external client projects using commercially available software packages.
• Apply fundamental understanding of the relevant physics and chemistry to create computational models of scenarios with sound assumptions and reasoning.
• Carry out engineering analyses and simulation engineering work, including pre-processing and post processing of simulation projects, documentation of the simulation inputs and key output parameters, and timely completion.
• Assess project specifications, determine simulation tools, and analyze results for adequacy and accuracy.
• Under general direction, devise and participate in hands-on laboratory work for model validation efforts or to assist with other team projects.
• Complete technical reports of work completed, including all information and details about modeling strategy, approach and outcome.
• Communicate with internal and external clients to develop and manage projects from start to finish.
• Work across industries / segments, collaborate with key stakeholders, and provide timeline communications to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Have a team player mindset, giving priority to team goals and maintaining good team relationships.
• 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.
• Collaborate with industry, academics and other research and development staff to apply the results of modeling and simulation efforts used to develop new techniques, products, practices, and UL Standards.
• Where appropriate, present projects and findings at academic and industry conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS
HIRE-IN QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, combustion science, computational fluid dynamics or other relevant disciplines is required. MS or PhD preferred.
• MS or PhD requires 4 years of relevant work experience. BS requires 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in advanced modeling and simulation of fluid flows, combustion and heat transfer is required. Experience in modeling deflagrations and fire dynamics is preferred.
• Experience in commercial CFD software and codes is required. Experience in Ansys, ConvergeCFD, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACS) is preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge of engineering disciplines and other sciences.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain academic and applied knowledge through reading academic articles and journals and participating in continuing education activities.
• Demonstrates the ability to collaborate with peers directly and maintain personal networks.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills are required.
• Can work independently. Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services.

What We Offer:
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 $137,000 - 157,000 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 20% of the base salary. 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 (15 days), holiday including 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.