Senior R&D Engineer - Fire and Explosion

Posted Yesterday
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Northbrook, IL, USA
Hybrid
105K-125K Annually
Senior level
Automotive • Professional Services • Software • Consulting • Energy • Chemical • Renewable Energy
Our mission is to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place.
The Role
Lead and execute R&D laboratory testing and simulation for fire and explosion safety problems. Design test programs, perform numerical analyses, report results, collaborate with stakeholders, publish and present findings, and apply R&D outcomes to standards and product development.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB DESCRIPTION
The UL Solutions Research and Development team is seeking a driven and team-oriented person to work with us on research, testing, 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 and fires in the built environment. Practical laboratory projects and robust application of theoretical knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and combustion are central to this role. 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 solve complex problems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work independently and with a team to conduct laboratory testing for client projects and research programs for UL safety testing service development and fundamental scientific advancement.
  • Apply fundamental and practical understanding of the relevant physics, chemistry, and engineering principles to create test programs and engineering judgments with sound assumptions and reasoning.
  • Carry out engineering analyses using combinations of numerical simulation and test data inputs.
  • Efficiently scope, plan, and execute projects from start to finish, including hands-on testing, detailed technical analysis and reporting of results.
  • Complete formal technical reports of work completed, including all information and details about 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.
  • 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 R&D efforts to development of new techniques, products, practices, and UL Standards.
  • Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services.
  • Present project results and findings at academic and industry conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fire protection engineering, explosion protection engineering or other relevant disciplines is required. MS or PhD preferred.
  • MS or PhD requires 1-2 years of relevant work experience. BS requires 3-4 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience working in a laboratory and/or physical testing environment is required.
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills are required.
  • Experience in modeling and simulation of fluid flows, fire flows, combustion and heat transfer is preferred.
  • Certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI) certification and experience in fire forensics is preferred.
  • Skills in Python programming, machine learning techniques and workflow efficiency software tool development are preferred
  • Experience with analytical laboratory techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography is preferred
  • Ability to work independently but also has a team player mindset, giving priority to team goals and maintaining good team relationships.

What you'll experience working for ULS
UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894 and we're still leading the way. From day one, we've blazed a trail protecting the planet and everyone on it. Our teams have influenced billions of products, plus services, software offerings and more. We break things, burn things and blow things up. All in the name of safety science.
That's where you come in - because none of it could happen without you. It takes passion to protect people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data and conviction to make the world a more sustainable place. It takes bold ideas and brilliant minds to build a better world for future generations across the globe.
This is more than a job. It's a calling. A passion to use our expertise and play our part in creating a more secure, sustainable world today - and tomorrow. As a member of our safety science community, you'll use your ideas, your energy and your ambition to innovate, challenge and ultimately, help create a safer world.
Everyone here is unique. But we're also a global community, working together to help create a safer world. Join UL Solutions and you can connect with the brightest minds in the business, all bringing their distinct perspectives and diverse backgrounds together to deliver real change.
Empowering our customers to keep the world safe means thinking ahead. It means investing in training and empowering our people to learn and innovate. At UL Solutions, we help build a better future - one where everyone benefits.
Join UL Solutions to be at the center of safety. To learn more about us and the work we do, visit UL.com
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 $105,000 to $125,000 USD 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 10% 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 and personal days (totaling 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.

Skills Required

  • Degree in mechanical, chemical, fire protection, explosion protection engineering, or other relevant discipline
  • Relevant work experience (MS/PhD: 1-2 years; BS: 3-4 years)
  • Experience working in a laboratory and/or physical testing environment
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills
  • Ability to work independently and as a team player
  • Experience in modeling and simulation of fluid flows, fire flows, combustion and heat transfer
  • Certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI) certification and fire forensics experience
  • Skills in Python programming, machine learning techniques and workflow efficiency software tool development
  • Experience with analytical laboratory techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography
  • MS or PhD degree (preferred)

What the Team is Saying

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UL Solutions Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support The 401(k) program is portrayed as strong, with a notable employer match and an additional company contribution after the first year that enhances long‑term savings. This structure is consistently highlighted as a differentiator in the total rewards mix.
  • Healthcare Strength Medical coverage is characterized by multiple plan options administered by a major carrier and a substantial employer cost share, alongside dental, vision, and mental‑health/EAP resources. The breadth of choices and supportive programs underscore a comprehensive health offering.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth PTO with sick time, floating holidays, and dedicated paid volunteer days are emphasized, along with paid parental bonding and family‑care leave. Flexible work arrangements by role further increase the practical utility of time‑off benefits.

UL Solutions Insights

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The Company
HQ: Chicago, IL
15,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1894

What We Do

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 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 Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflect 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.

Why Work With Us

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.

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UL Solutions Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Depending on the role we offer hybrid or remote opportunities.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
HQChicago, IL
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Northbrook, IL
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