Engineering Technician III - Fire Safety Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Columbia, MD

104d • $61,199 - $84,149

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Technician III at UL Research Institutes, based in our Sharon Hill, PA or Columbia, MD, office. The Engineering Technician is responsible for preparing and maintaining research facilities, equipment, instrumentation and assisting with conducting and documenting experiments for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI). The Engineering Technician follows defined test plans and protocols, operates and maintains power tools, heavy equipment, specific test equipment, communicates with other research staff during setup and operation to ensure proper and safe operations, and provides feedback to research staff regarding procedures or equipment issues. May include instrumentation and equipment design that involves unique features and the use of independent judgement. May initiate recommendations for new equipment designs and recommend solutions to observed issues. May conduct training to other research and technician staff members on equipment, instrumentation and/or safety procedures during day-to-day operations or testing. May assist with the planning of experiments. Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions daily: in the laboratory, in the workshop and in the field during all aspects of the job function at hand. May require travel to the field for the conduction of experimental series when not held at a fixed facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of directly related experience in an engineering or technical support role.
• Solid understanding of engineering and construction principles across multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil).
• Demonstrated proficiency in the fabrication and programming of small-scale electronics, electrical systems or equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with measurement instruments and technical tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and precision in documentation and data analysis.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical personnel.
• Collaborative team player with a customer-service mindset.
• Ability to adapt to diverse project requirements and emerging technologies.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work and collaborate effectively with engineering and technical teams.
• Hands-on experience or working knowledge in at least one of the following trades: mechanical, electrical, or construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe machine and power tool operation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of measurement instrumentation and troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge or interest in Electronics, Electrical Systems, Programming, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Science, Fire Protection or Chemical Engineering, Building Construction, Mechanics, Fabrication.
• Familiarity with electronics or electrical systems, components and equipment.
• Basic programming knowledge preferred (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Valid firefighting certification preferred.
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) preferred.
• Experience operating or maintaining heavy machinery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the setup and performance of equipment and instrumentation.
• Builds and/or adapts equipment for any given experimental series.
• Assembles fuel packages and needed instrumentation following schematics, wiring diagrams, using measuring instruments, and operational instructions.
• Follows basically defined instrumentation plans and test protocols.
• Builds and/or adapts research test fixtures, equipment or instrumentation to new situations, based on instructions from senior research staff or engineers.
• Examines, maintains and repairs instrumentation and learns to the principle of operation for each type of device with necessary supervision/support.
• Communicates with researchers during setup and experimentation to ensure proper operation.
• Operates designated machines, power tools, heavy equipment and specialized research equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of designated test equipment, shop and research facilities area.
• Performs calibration of test equipment.
• Reads and understands specific test standards and testing technology and protocols for scope of responsibility with necessary supervision/support.
• Initiates recommendations for new equipment designs and recommends solutions to observed problems.
• Develop and execute operating, maintenance, and testing procedures in accordance with laboratory standards and safety regulations.
• Design, modify, and build specialized research equipment and test setups based on project requirements and test specifications.
• Prepare material and purchase requisitions; recommend solutions to technical issues encountered during testing or setup.
• Communicate with researchers to understand project requirements and discuss testing methods, equipment usage, and preliminary results.
• Install, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment and systems used in research and field applications.
• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of test procedures, results, and design modifications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including research staff and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with internal safety policies and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain inventory of tools, parts, and specialized testing equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay.
• Invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
• Bonus compensation eligibility.
• Flexible working arrangements may be discussed with your manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees