Lead Materials Discovery Engineer: Prototype & Scale-Up

ULRI; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus compensation

401k matching up to 5%

Retirement contribution 4%

Paid time off (vacation/holiday/sick/2

Volunteer days

Job summary

UL Research Institutes in Skokie, IL, seeks a Principal Research Engineer to design, develop, and advance testing equipment for novel materials from laboratory concepts to demonstration scale. You will lead multi-disciplinary programs, establish technical standards, and collaborate with external partners to accelerate innovation and safety outcomes.

You will mentor staff, ensure data integrity, and contribute to publications and professional activities while aligning with UL’s safety and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience defining strategy, evaluating emerging technologies, and guiding capability development for prototype, pilot-scale, and testing systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, constructing, commissioning, starting up, and operating prototype systems.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff.
• Experience applying process safety methodologies (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) to identify hazards and mitigate risk.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems to advance technologies toward real-world application.
• Lead complex technical programs with safe, high-quality results within schedule and budget.
• Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments.
• Build relationships with external partners to accelerate innovation.
• Mentor technical staff and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Drive data integrity and scientific rigor using LIMS and data repositories.
• Increase MDRI visibility through presentations, publications, and external involvement.

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering/ME/MSE or related field

Post-PhD experience (10+ years)

Master's degree in related field +12 years experience

Bachelor's degree +15 years experience

Job description

UL Research Institutes in Skokie, IL, seeks a Principal Research Engineer to design, develop, and advance testing equipment for novel materials from laboratory concepts to demonstration scale. You will lead multi-disciplinary programs, establish technical standards, and collaborate with external partners to accelerate innovation and safety outcomes.

You will mentor staff, ensure data integrity, and contribute to publications and professional activities while aligning with UL’s safety and