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

UL Solutions • Northbrook, IL

23d • 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. Projects primarily address client problems involving fire and explosion hazards in energy industries, including energy storage and renewables. The role requires initiating, scoping, and executing complex client projects; guiding and mentoring colleagues; and professionally reviewing official deliverables. The successful candidate is creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, and collaborative with engineers, scientists, and technicians.

The engineer performs analyses using numerical simulations, field data, and test data; prepares formal technical reports; and may review and sign key client deliverables. The role works across industries and segments, collaborates with stakeholders, and communicates project timelines to internal and external parties. It also involves keeping current with developments through journals, publications, conferences, original publications, and presentations, as well as interpreting business challenges and recommending practices to improve products, processes, or services. Where appropriate, the engineer presents findings at academic and industry conferences.

UL Solutions describes its work as part of a safety science community focused on protecting people, supporting customers, and contributing to a safer and more sustainable world. The position offers a stated salary range, annual target bonus, health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Requirements

• A degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fire protection engineering, explosion protection engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification.
• Experience conducting field evaluations of fires and failure events.
• Professional engineering licensure in Illinois.
• At least 12 years of relevant work experience with an MS or PhD, or at least 15 years with a BS.
• 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; the posting states that these degrees require 12+ years of relevant work experience.
• 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.
• Perform engineering analyses using combinations of numerical simulation, field data, and test data.
• Mentor and guide team members and colleagues on larger client project initiatives.
• Prepare formal technical reports documenting the strategy, approach, and outcome of completed work.
• Professionally review and, where appropriate, sign key client deliverables.
• Work across industries and segments, collaborate with stakeholders, and communicate timelines to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay informed about 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

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

What This Job Offers

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