Engineering Technician III - Fire Safety Research Institute

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Technician III at UL Research Institutes, based in our Sharon Hill, PA or Columbia, MD, office.

The Engineering Technician is responsible for preparing and maintaining research facilities, equipment, instrumentation and assisting with conducting and documenting experiments for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), a UL Research Institute (ULRI). The Engineering Technician follows defined test plans and protocols, operates and maintains power tools, heavy equipment, specific test equipment, communicates with other research staff during setup and operation to ensure proper and safe operations, and provides feedback to research staff regarding procedures or equipment issues. May include instrumentation and equipment design that involves unique features and the use of independent judgement. May initiate recommendations for new equipment designs and recommend solutions to observed issues. May conduct training to other research and technician staff members on equipment, instrumentation and/or safety procedures during day-to-day operations or testing. May assist with the planning of experiments. Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions daily: in the laboratory, in the workshop and in the field during all aspects of the job function at hand. May require travel to the field for the conduction of experimental series when not held at a fixed facility.

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 Engineering Technician III, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Responsible for the setup and performance of equipment and instrumentation. Builds and/or adapts equipment for any given experimental series. Assembles fuel packages and needed instrumentation following schematics, wiring diagrams, using measuring instruments, and operational instructions. Follows basically defined instrumentation plans and test protocols.

• Builds and/or adapts research test fixtures, equipment or instrumentation to new situations, based on instructions from senior research staff or engineers.

• Examines, maintains and repairs instrumentation and learns to the principle of operation for each type of device with necessary supervision/support. Communicates with researchers during setup and experimentation to ensure proper operation.

• Operates designated machines, power tools, heavy equipment and specialized research equipment. Performs routine maintenance and repair of designated test equipment, shop and research facilities area. Performs calibration of test equipment.

• Reads and understands specific test standards and testing technology and protocols for scope of responsibility with necessary supervision/support.

• Initiates recommendations for new equipment designs and recommends solutions to observed problems.

• Develop and execute operating, maintenance, and testing procedures in accordance with laboratory standards and safety regulations.

• Design, modify, and build specialized research equipment and test setups based on project requirements and test specifications.

• Prepare material and purchase requisitions; recommend solutions to technical issues encountered during testing or setup.

• Communicate with researchers to understand project requirements and discuss testing methods, equipment usage, and preliminary results.

• Install, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment and systems used in research and field applications.

• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of test procedures, results, and design modifications.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including research staff and technicians.

• Ensure compliance with internal safety policies and applicable regulatory standards.

• Maintain inventory of tools, parts, and specialized testing equipment.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

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:

• Solid understanding of engineering and construction principles across multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil).

• Demonstrated proficiency in the fabrication and programming of small-scale electronics, electrical systems or equipment.

• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with measurement instruments and technical tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems.

• Excellent attention to detail and precision in documentation and data analysis.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical personnel.

• Collaborative team player with a customer-service mindset.

• Ability to adapt to diverse project requirements and emerging technologies.

• Strong time management and organizational skills; able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work and collaborate effectively with engineering and technical teams.

• Hands-on experience or working knowledge in at least one of the following trades: mechanical, electrical, or construction.

• Demonstrated knowledge of safe machine and power tool operation.

• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction techniques.

• Demonstrated knowledge of measurement instrumentation and troubleshooting techniques.

• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering technology, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 4 years of directly related experience in an engineering or technical support role.

• Knowledge or interest in Electronics, Electrical Systems, Programming, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Fire Science, Fire Protection or Chemical Engineering, Building Construction, Mechanics, Fabrication

• Knowledge of one or more of the following trades: construction, electrical, mechanical, etc.

• Familiarity with electronics or electrical systems, components and equipment.

• Basic programming knowledge preferred (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar).

• Valid firefighting certification preferred.

• Commercial driver's license (CDL) preferred.

• Experience operating or maintaining heavy machinery 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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