Principal Research Engineer - Materials Discovery Research Institute

UL Research Institutes • Skokie, IL

7d • $131,186 - $180,381 • Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Engineer at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Principal Research Engineer role will partner with researchers and engineers to apply advanced scientific and engineering expertise in materials discovery and development. This role focuses on designing, developing, and advancing testing equipment essential to demonstrating the performance, scalability, and real-world impact of novel materials, supporting the transition from laboratory concepts through prototype and demonstration scale to advance global safety and sustainability.

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than 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, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Materials Discovery Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) works to develop and deploy new materials with the potential to address current global safety challenges. Pursuing materials that will help produce transformational safety breakthroughs, MDRI harnesses the power of advanced computing and high-throughput experimental methods to create innovative materials that will produce resilience for a sustainable future and protect individual and societal health.

We focus on today’s critical challenges, working to create new and better materials that will support renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Among our top priorities is research into materials capable of carbon capture and energy storage, with an eye toward reducing the adverse impacts of humanity’s reliance upon fossil fuel resources and enabling a transition to renewable energy sources.

Above all, our research builds on our commitment to a safer, more sustainable future.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 10 years post Ph.D. degree of relevant experience, or
• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering or a related technical discipline plus 12 years post master's degree of relevant experience, or,
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 15 years or more post bachelor's degree of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience defining strategy, evaluating emerging technologies, establishing best practices, and guiding capability development and capital investments for prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, constructing, commissioning, starting up, and operating prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Demonstrated experience applying process safety methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, or similar) to identify hazards, implement risk mitigation measures, and incorporate inherent safety principles into equipment and process design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff.

Nice To Haves

• Collaborative, inclusive, and positive work ethic.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling productive collaboration with researchers, engineers, and cross-functional partners.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing the materials discovery and research mission.
• Proven problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and development of practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Adaptability, responsiveness, and a sense of urgency, with a balanced focus on near-term results and long-term improvement.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10% annually) for training, conferences, and project-related activities.

Responsibilities

• Leverage expertise in materials development, testing, and scale-up to design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems that advance technologies toward real-world application.
• Lead complex technical programs, delivering safe, high-quality results that meet technical, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments while evaluating emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve safety, efficiency, scalability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build strategic relationships with external partners and technology providers to strengthen organizational capabilities and accelerate innovation.
• Mentor and develop technical staff while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive data integrity and scientific rigor through effective use of LIMS, data repositories, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Expand the institute’s visibility and influence through presentations, publications, and participation in external professional organizations.
• Apply sound technical judgment, creativity, and systems thinking to solve complex interdisciplinary challenges.
• Comply with the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and all laboratory safety, physical security, and digital security requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• bonus compensation
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• flexible working arrangements
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree