Senior R&D Engineer - Fire and Explosion

About the Role

UL Solutions Research and Development team is seeking a driven and team-oriented person to work on research, testing, and simulation of emerging fire and explosion safety problems. The role focuses 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 in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and combustion are central to this position.

A successful candidate will be creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced and multi-disciplined environment, and willing to collaborate with a team of 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 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 the development of new techniques, products, practices, and UL Standards.
• Interpret internal/external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
• Present project results and findings at academic and industry conferences.

Requirements

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in modeling and simulation of fluid flows, fire flows, combustion, and heat transfer.
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification and experience in fire forensics.
• 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.

Skills

• Ability to work independently but also has a team player mindset, prioritizing team goals and maintaining good team relationships.

What You’ll Experience

UL Solutions has been pioneering change since 1894, influencing billions of products, services, software offerings, and more. Our teams break things, burn things, and conduct explosive tests in the name of safety science. This role is ideal for someone passionate about protecting people, problem-solving to safeguard personal data, and contributing to a more sustainable world.

As a member of our safety science community, you’ll use your ideas, energy, and ambition to innovate and challenge the status quo. You’ll join a global community of unique individuals working together to create a safer world. UL Solutions invests in training and empowers its people to learn and innovate, helping build a better future where everyone benefits.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is $105,000 to $125,000 USD, based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical location. This position is eligible for an annual bonus with a target payout of 10% of the base salary.

Benefits

• Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
• Wellness benefits such as mental and financial health support.
• Retirement savings (401K) commensurate with standard rewards in each location or country.
• Paid time off including 15 days of vacation, 12 personal/holiday days, and 72 hours of sick time off for full-time employees.