Research Engineer I - Fire Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Engineer I at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland office.

The Research Engineer I assists in literature studies, conducting experiments, gathering data, and preparing written reports for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a UL Research institute (ULRI). The Research Engineer works under the supervision of other research scientists and research engineers to ensure that all processes are accurate and technically sound. Assists with the day-to-day laboratory/instrument operations and maintenance.

UL Research Institutes:

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 Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world's unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL's public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we share with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Research Engineer I, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Assist in identifies fundamental knowledge needed to enhance UL's thought leadership and support the strategy of UL.

• Document laboratory procedures, prepare detailed reports, and evaluate technical specifications and factors related to the process or design objectives.

• Identify and recommend hardware and equipment needed for operations, and equipment for general lab and study specific use.

• Stays ahead of changing technologies, in the field by reading journals and scientific publications, and attending academic conferences.

• Gathers initial data for projects and works with Research Engineers and Scientists to conduct research.

• Applies varied and moderately complex analysis procedures, methods, and techniques to support research functions and processes

• Performs other duties as directed.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated general knowledge of scientific and engineering disciplines including fire dynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer and computer modeling of fire phenomena.

• Knowledgeable in the design and operating principles of fire detection and protection systems.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Proficient in the design and principles of alternative energy source technologies, particularly photovoltaic arrays and li-ion batteries.

• Familiar with fundamentals of li-ion battery thermal runaway and the subsequent development of fire and explosion hazards.

• Data analysis skills, including an adeptness with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for the analysis and visualization of experimental results.

• Experimental design skills, and an understanding of instruments and measurement techniques utilized in fire testing and research.

• Demonstrated experience with experimental methodology and execution.

• Demonstrated general knowledge of scientific disciplines related to fire safety.

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Master's degree in engineering, or other related technology discipline or bachelor's degree in engineering plus 2 years of experience.

• High Proficiency with CAD, MS Office, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Proficiency with Linux, VS Code Latex, Git, Python, FDS, Pyrosim is a plus.

• First-hand fire and emergency operations experience is a plus.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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