Principal R&D Engineer - Fire Hazards, Investigations, and Failure Analyses

UL Solutions • Northbrook, IL

24d • $160,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

UL Solutions is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer for its Research and Development team to lead advanced fire and explosion engineering analyses, failure analyses, and post-incident fact-finding investigations. Many projects address client problems involving fire and explosion hazards in energy industries, including energy storage and renewables.

The role involves initiating, scoping, and executing complex client projects; guiding and mentoring colleagues; and professionally reviewing official deliverables. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, and technicians in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. The position also involves staying current with developments in the field and contributing to technical publications and presentations.

The estimated salary range is $160,000 to $200,000 USD, with eligibility for an annual bonus targeted at 20% of base salary. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; wellness benefits; retirement savings; and paid vacation, holidays, personal days, and sick time.

Requirements

• Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fire protection engineering, explosion protection engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• For an MS or PhD, 12 or more years of relevant work experience; for a BS, 15 or more years of relevant work experience.
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification.
• Experience in field evaluations of fires and failure events.
• Professional engineering licensure in the state of Illinois.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work independently while prioritizing team goals and maintaining good team relationships.

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD degree.
• Professional engineering licensure in additional states.
• Professional engineering consulting experience in fire protection engineering, explosion protection engineering, process safety engineering, or industrial engineering.
• Familiarity with laboratory and physical testing environments.
• Familiarity with power generation and distribution systems, including generators, power electronics, transformers, and high-voltage breakers.
• Familiarity with building and fire codes.
• General familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and finite-element analysis (FEA) techniques.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, and execute client projects, primarily involving fire and explosion protection engineering analysis, failure analysis, cause-and-origin analysis, and fact-finding investigations.
• Conduct engineering analyses using combinations of numerical simulation, field data, and test data.
• Mentor and guide team members and colleagues on larger client projects.
• Prepare formal technical reports detailing the strategy, approach, and outcomes of completed work.
• Provide professional engineering review and, where appropriate, sign key client deliverables.
• Work across industries and segments, collaborate with stakeholders, and communicate timelines to internal and external stakeholders.
• Keep current with changing technologies by reading journals and scientific publications, attending academic conferences, writing and collaborating on original publications, and delivering presentations.
• Interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
• Present project results and findings at academic and industry conferences where appropriate.

Benefits

• Annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of base salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Wellness benefits, including mental and financial health.
• Retirement savings (401K).
• Paid time off, including 15 vacation days, 12 holiday and personal days, and 72 hours of sick time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal