Research Engineer II - Fire Safety Research Institute

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Engineer II at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland office.

About the role

The Research Engineer II conducts experiments, gathers data, develops preliminary findings, and prepares written reports and manuscripts. The role works closely with other researchers to ensure all processes are accurate and technically sound.

About UL Research Institutes

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For over a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues and believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

About Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address unresolved risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, FSRI shares fire safety insights to support UL’s public safety mission. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, and collaboration with an international network of partners, we provide stakeholders with the tools and resources to make informed, fire-safe decisions that save lives and property. Learn more at FSRI.org.

Responsibilities

• Identify fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL’s thought leadership and support the strategy of Fire Safety.
• Document experimental procedures, prepare detailed papers and reports, and evaluate technical specifications related to experimental objectives.
• Identify and recommend hardware and equipment needed for operations and experimental use.
• Stay ahead of changing technologies by reading journals, scientific publications, and attending academic conferences.
• Gather data for projects and collaborate with Research Engineers and Scientists to conduct research.
• Lead and assist with publications.
• Operate independently and safely in the lab and field.
• Lead and assist with data collection and analysis.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Work Experience at UL Research Institutes

• People: Work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency, collaborating across disciplines, organizations, and geographies.
• Interesting work: Push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team advancing the public good, tackling new challenges daily.
• Growth and achievement: Learn and grow through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
• Values: Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence.

Benefits

• Bonus compensation eligibility for all employees.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay, with an additional 4% contribution to your retirement savings after one year of continuous employment.
• Flexible working arrangements, depending on role.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

Requirements

• Demonstrated general knowledge of relevant engineering and scientific disciplines, with the ability to continuously maintain and advance both academic and applied technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct full-scale fire experiments in field settings, particularly on topics relevant to wildfire and wildland urban interface fire research.
• Knowledge of fire dynamics and heat transfer topics applicable to studies of structures impacted by large-scale exterior fires from neighboring structures, vegetation, or vehicles.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate experimental data and numerical modeling outputs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Advanced data analysis skills, including interpreting complex datasets, identifying trends, and drawing technically defensible conclusions.
• Advanced capabilities in instrument design, system installation, troubleshooting, and programming to support custom research and experimental needs.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers, Scientists, and other team members to complete projects from start to finish.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as lead author on technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, including coordinating contributor input and ensuring scientific rigor.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline, plus 0 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience, or
• Master’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline, plus 2 or more years of directly related work experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, General Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline, plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research. We conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data, convene global experts to address risks, and share knowledge through safety education and public outreach. We develop standards to guide the safe commercialization of evolving technologies and foster communities of safety. Learn more at UL.org and ULSE.org.

Pay

Salary range: $81,456.37–$112,002.51 (salaried position).