Lead Materials Discovery Engineer

UL Research Institutes; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus compensation

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

401k matching up to 5%

Additional retirement contribution

Job summary

UL Research Institutes in Skokie, IL seeks a Principal Research Engineer to lead the design, development, and scale-up of testing equipment for novel materials, advancing concepts to prototypes and demonstrations.

You will mentor technical staff, drive data integrity and safety, and build external partnerships to accelerate impactful materials discovery aligned with global safety and sustainability goals. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD with 10+ years post-PhD experience in chemical/mechanical/materials engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, constructing, commissioning, and operating prototype systems.
• Experience applying process safety methodologies (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) to identify hazards and mitigate risk.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff.
• Strong collaboration with external partners to accelerate innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems.
• Lead complex technical programs delivering safe, high-quality results on schedule and budget.
• Define technical strategy, standards, and investments while evaluating emerging technologies.
• Build strategic relationships with external partners and technology providers.
• Mentor staff and foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Data integrity

Safety mindset

Problem solving

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in chemical/mechanical/materials engineering

Master’s in chemical/mechanical/materials engineering

Bachelor’s in chemical/mechanical/materials engineering

Job description

UL Research Institutes in Skokie, IL seeks a Principal Research Engineer to lead the design, development, and scale-up of testing equipment for novel materials, advancing concepts to prototypes and demonstrations.

You will mentor technical staff, drive data integrity and safety, and build external partnerships to accelerate impactful materials discovery aligned with global safety and sustainability goals. Occasional travel may be required.