Lead Materials Discovery Engineer

Socket.dev; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus compensation

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/Li

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

UL Research Institutes’ Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) in Skokie, IL seeks a Principal Research Engineer to lead development of testing equipment and scale-up of materials technologies for real-world applications. You will shape technical strategy, mentor staff, and collaborate with researchers and industry partners to advance safety and sustainability goals.

The role requires a Ph.D. or advanced degree with a decade or more of relevant experience, proven leadership in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering or related technical discipline plus 10 years post-Ph.D. experience
• Master’s degree in related field plus 12 years post-master's experience
• Bachelor’s degree in related field plus 15 years or more post-bachelor's experience
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff
• Demonstrated experience defining strategy, evaluating emerging technologies, and guiding capability development and capital investments

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems for materials development and testing
• Lead complex technical programs delivering safe, high-quality results on schedule and within budget
• Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments
• Evaluate emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve safety, efficiency, scalability, and organizational effectiveness
• Build strategic relationships with external partners and technology providers
• Drive data integrity and scientific rigor using data repositories and data-driven decision tools
• Expand visibility through presentations, publications, and external professional engagements
• Apply sound technical judgment and systems thinking to solve interdisciplinary challenges
• Comply with UL Code of Conduct and safety, security requirements
• Mentor and develop technical staff
• Travel occasionally (less than 10% annually) for training and conferences

Job description

UL Research Institutes’ Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) in Skokie, IL seeks a Principal Research Engineer to lead development of testing equipment and scale-up of materials technologies for real-world applications. You will shape technical strategy, mentor staff, and collaborate with researchers and industry partners to advance safety and sustainability goals.

The role requires a Ph.D. or advanced degree with a decade or more of relevant experience, proven leadership in