Principal Engineer (PDE) - UL Solutions External Career Site Careers

UL Solutions

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 155,000 - 175,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus (20% target)

Health Benefits

401K

Paid Time Off

Job summary

UL Solutions is seeking a seasoned engineering leader to drive high-density data center cooling initiatives. You will shape Thermal/HVACR programs, steer global standards development, and lead cross-functional teams across regions.

The role emphasizes safety evaluations, test methodologies, and industry collaboration. Responsibilities include developing test methods, publishing technical papers, and mentoring a global engineering workforce.

Qualifications

Formal education: Bachelor's degree, Master’s preferred, in mechanical/thermal/aerospace or applied physics.
Minimum 12+ years in high-density data center cooling or HPC thermal management.
Proven leadership directing global cross-functional teams and adherence to codes of conduct.

Responsibilities

Boundary and regulatory responsibilities including safety evaluations for coolant systems.
Develop service programs and industry-standard specifications across regions.
Lead and represent UL in standards committees and industry events.
Operationalize lab suites to validate cooling performance and reliability.
Publish technical white papers on PFAS, F-Gas and related regulations.
Train staff and build global lab capacity with standardized curricula.

Skills

Boundary Architect

Ecosystem Developer

Sustainability

Communication Skills

Cross-cultural Teamwork

Project Management

Data Analysis

Engineering Analysis

Regulatory Knowledge

Quality Assurance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Serves as Regional or Global SME for multiple technologies. Serves as representative on standards committees. Publishes articles related to technical expertise. Studies and understands test standards, testing technology, and regulations for scope of responsibility. Takes on role as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for standards, industry, and/or test capability. May represent UL at industry related functions such as seminars, trade shows or standards committees. Manages or develops new standard programs and capabilities for region or globally. Has detailed understanding of test techniques, procedures, and equipment. Performs complex test procedures when necessary. Provides training to staff when necessary. Follows up on contacts from clients and communicates technical issues, Test Standard explanations, certification requirements and UL procedures and requirements. Acts to address client concerns and resolve issues for a region or global office. Drives for consistency and enhanced quality in area of expertise. Within their region, or for the wider organization, operates and maintains test equipment appropriately to measure and test customer samples. Performs maintenance on designated test equipment and laboratory area. May perform calibration of test equipment. Integrates continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job for a region or global office. Manages and reviews related internal documents for accuracy. Develops special test methods and test equipment for new standards, test requirements, or improved efficiency, when needed. Likely to support the business externally through travelling to meetings at client sites, attendance at industry related events and other meetings. Read and follow the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and follow all physical and digital security practices. Performs other duties as directed.

Responsibilities

A. Boundary Architect (Regulatory & Standards)
- Hazard Protocols: Engineer safety evaluations for coolant leaks, dielectric fluid chemistry, and A2L/A3 refrigerant flammability.
- Commercial Vision: Convert thermal management trends and safety metrics into profitable commercial services.
B. Ecosystem Developer (OCP & Market Alignment)
- OCP Standardization: Embed UL safety philosophies into Cold Plate, Immersion, and Heat Reuse open specifications.
- Service Creation: Launch 'UL Verified' programs to validate cold plate dissipation and universal quick disconnect (UQD) interchangeability.
- Industry Influence: Drive technical consensus across competing vendors, hyperscalers, ASHRAE TC 9.9, and the Green Grid.
C. Sustainability & Regulatory Driver
- Heat Reuse Certification: Architect programs to rate waste heat quality for predictable utility grid monetization.
- Global Compliance: Align offerings with DOE, NRCan, EU EED, and Ecodesign frameworks ahead of regulatory enforcement.

Key Essential Tasks

Performance Testing: Operationalize lab suites validating cold plate thermal resistance, pressure drop, and hydraulic impedance.
Blind-Mate Interoperability: Establish mechanical regimes for Open Rack V3 (ORv3) manifolds to prevent binding and bypass.
Dielectric Compatibility: Standardize chemical and electrical compatibility tests between immersion fluids and server components.
Leak Detection Integration: Map unified Redfish API schemas to trigger automated isolation across CDUs and loops.
Thought Leadership: Publish white papers on regulatory minefields like PFAS restrictions and global F-Gas phasedowns.
Workforce Training: Build global laboratory capacity through standardized internal engineering curricula.

Qualifications

Formal Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal/Fluid Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics from an accredited university program.
Direct Professional Experience: A minimum of 12+ years of direct, progressive engineering experience in high-density data center cooling design, advanced HVACR product development, or comprehensive thermal management engineering within high-performance computing (HPC) or hyperscale cloud ecosystems.
Track Record of Leadership: Demonstrated history of direct management or programmatic leadership of high-performing, cross-functional global teams of technical experts and laboratory specialists, with a clear adherence to formal corporate codes of conduct and comprehensive digital/physical security protocols.

What we offer

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
The estimated salary range for this position is $155,000-$175,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors.
This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary.
This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision;
wellness benefits such as mental and financial health;
and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country.
We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

Required Skills