ISBSL Principal Researcher - Codes, Fire Rated Systems & Building Practices

USG; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Health, vision and dental insurance

Job summary

USG, based in Libertyville, IL, seeks a senior building codes and fire rated systems professional to serve as a practical, externally credible SME for code interpretation, standards development, and resolution of complex customer issues. This role sits within the ISBSL at USG’s Corporate Innovation Center in Libertyville, IL.

You will monitor changes in model codes, influence industry standards, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure product compliance and effective customer support.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in building codes, code consulting, fire rated building systems, or related leadership.
• Strong ability to interpret and apply model building codes and standards (IBC, NFPA, ASTM, UL/Intertek, ICC-ES pathways).
• Experience collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, AHJs, and certification bodies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, ability to write technical guidance and customer facing explanations.

Responsibilities

• Code strategy and interpretation: monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in codes and standards affecting USG products.
• Code development and industry influence: represent USG in code hearings and standards meetings; develop positions and supporting rationale.
• Complex field and customer issue resolution: assist with fire rated assemblies, listings, penetrations, and constructability issues.
• Product compliance and market access: devise strategies for compliance pathways, listings, literature, and resources.
• Cross-functional technical leadership: collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Product Management, and R&D.
• Training and technical communication: create and deliver internal/external training, bulletins, white papers, and guidance documents.
• Market and competitive intelligence: track code trends, competitor strategies, AHJ concerns, and customer pain points.

Skills

15+ years experience

Strong written & verbal communication

North American construction practice

Interpretation of model codes &Standar

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Fire Protection, or related field

Job description

USG is seeking a senior building codes and fire rated systems professional to serve as a practical, externally credible subject matter expert for building code interpretation, codes and standards development, and complex customer/jobsite issue resolution.

This role is part of the Innovation Services and Building Sciences Lab (ISBSL) at USG’s Corporate Innovation Center in Libertyville, IL. ISBSL supports maintenance and continuous improvement of existing USG systems, develops new systems that address unmet customer needs, and strengthens customer confidence in USG products and assemblies.

Role

• Code strategy and interpretation: Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in model building codes, fire and life safety provisions, acceptance criteria, and standards that affect USG products and systems.
• Code development and industry influence: Represent USG and aligned industry interests in selected code hearings, standards meetings, trade associations, and technical committee. Help with developing positions, comments, proposals, and supporting technical rationale.
• Complex field and customer issue resolution: Support escalated questions involving fire rated assemblies, listed systems, continuity of protection, penetrations, and constructability issues.
• Product compliance and market access: Develop practical strategies for maintaining and expanding compliance pathways, listings, product literature, and technical resources.
• Cross functional technical leadership: Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Product Management, and R&D teams to resolve technical barriers, and protect USG’s product positions.
• Training and technical communication: Create and deliver internal and external training, customer presentations, technical bulletins, white papers, and guidance documents that make complex code and fire rated assembly topics understandable and actionable.
• Market and competitive intelligence: Track emerging code trends, competitive product strategies, substitution risks, AHJ concerns, and customer pain points.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in building codes, code consulting, fire rated building systems, building science, or manufacturer codes/standards leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of North American construction practices and how fire rated wall, floor/ceiling, assemblies are designed, specified, installed, inspected, and accepted in the field.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply model building codes and standards, such as IBC, IFC, NFPA, ASTM, UL/Intertek listings, ICC-ES acceptance/evaluation pathways, or similar compliance frameworks.
• Experience working with architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, AHJs, testing/certification agencies, trade associations, or manufacturer technical teams to resolve code and constructability questions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write technical guidance, reports, bulletins, presentations, code comments, and customer facing explanations.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Fire Protection, or a related field. Equivalent senior code, consulting, construction, manufacturer, or standards experience will be considered.
• Ability to travel up to 25% for customer support, industry meetings, code hearings, trade association events, and training.

Preferred Experience

• Active or prior participation in ICC, ASTM, NFPA, Gypsum Association, or similar code/standards bodies.
• Experience preparing or supporting code change proposals, public comments, technical committee positions, engineering judgments/opinion letters, evaluation reports, or product compliance strategies.
• Professional registration or certifications such as PE, RA, ICC certifications, or similar credentials are valued but not required.

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements.

USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability/veteran