R&D Laboratory Technician - Fire Safety
About The Position
UL Solutions is seeking a driven, team-oriented laboratory technician for research and testing of emerging fire and explosion safety problems, particularly in the energy and fire protection industries. Areas of work include lithium-ion battery thermal runaway and fires in the built environment. The role focuses on laboratory testing and logistics, and on designing, realizing, and commissioning novel test programs, fixtures, and apparatus. Day-to-day work involves collaborating with R&D engineers and senior laboratory staff to design and execute custom test programs and services for internal and external clients. The successful candidate will be creative, curious, adaptable to a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, and able to work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and scientists to solve complex problems. The role includes supervised firefighting and fire-extinguishing activities during live-fire tests.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Prior hands-on laboratory work and mechanical design or assembly experience.
- Qualifications to operate a forklift, boom lift, and scissor lift.
- Willingness to be trained in and participate in active firefighting while wearing full turnout gear, with the ability to maintain composure and make clear, rapid decisions in an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) fire environment.
- Ability to obtain self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certification.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high quality and exceptional customer service.
- Hands-on experience using and safely operating a variety of hand tools and power tools.
- Highly effective communication skills and ability to interact with customers.
- Project experience involving creative problem-solving.
- Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
Nice To Haves
- At least a two-year university degree in engineering or a related discipline.
- Existing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certification.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support in designing and constructing test fixtures, test rooms or systems, and other testing programs.
- Design, adapt, and build test setups and equipment for new test situations based on test specifications and discussions with engineers.
- Examine test samples and interpret measuring instruments, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and operational instructions.
- Develop test procedures based on laboratory procedures, standards, and safety policies.
- Engage in firefighting and fire-extinguishing activities in live-fire tests under the supervision of more senior technician staff.
- Set up and operate data acquisition suites for custom test scenarios.
- Assist with scheduling, assigning, reviewing, and coordinating workflow to ensure proper use of laboratory time and space.
- Work with minimal supervision within defined limits of responsibility.
- Attend meetings and use multiple forms of communication as needed to complete tasks, projects, and initiatives.
- Prepare purchase and material requisitions.
- Maintain laboratory spaces so they remain clean, organized, operational, and up to date.
- Integrate continuous-improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job.
Benefits
- Annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 5% of base salary.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Wellness benefits, including mental and financial health.
- Retirement savings plan (401(k)).
- Paid time off for full-time employees, including 15 vacation days, 12 holiday and personal days combined, and 72 hours of sick time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
