Principal Research Engineer - Materials Discovery Research Institute

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus compensation

Medical, dental, vision

401k matching

Paid time off

Job summary

UL Research Institutes in Skokie, IL seeks a Principal Research Engineer to drive design, development, and deployment of testing equipment for advanced materials—from lab concepts to pilot demonstrations.

You will lead cross-functional programs, set technical standards, build external partnerships, mentor staff, and advance safety-focused materials applications with data-driven rigor.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or related field with 10+ years post-Ph.D. experience.
• Or Master’s degree with 12+ years post-master’s experience in related discipline.
• Or Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years post-bachelor’s experience in related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex technical programs delivering safe, high-quality results on schedule and budget.
• Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments for prototype systems.
• Mentor staff and foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive data integrity and scientific rigor using LIMS and data-driven decision tools.

Skills

Materials discovery

Prototype systems design

Scale-up testing

Data integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering / mechanical engineering / materials science

Master’s in chemical engineering / mechanical engineering / materials science

Bachelor’s in chemical engineering / mechanical engineering / materials science

Tools

LIMS

Data repositories

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Engineer at UL Research Institutes, Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) based in our Skokie, Illinois, facilities. The Principal Research Engineer role will partner with researchers and engineers to apply advanced scientific and engineering expertise in materials discovery and development. This role focuses on designing, developing, and advancing testing equipment essential to demonstrating the performance, scalability, and real-world impact of novel materials, supporting the transition from laboratory concepts through prototype and demonstration scale to advance global safety and sustainability. UL Research Institutes: At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Materials Discovery Research Institute team who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice. Materials Discovery Research Institute: The Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI) works to develop and deploy new materials with the potential to address current global safety challenges. Pursuing materials that will help produce transformational safety breakthroughs, MDRI harnesses the power of advanced computing and high-throughput experimental methods to create innovative materials that will produce resilience for a sustainable future and protect individual and societal health. We focus on today’s critical challenges, working to create new and better materials that will support renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Among our top priorities is research into materials capable of carbon capture and energy storage, with an eye toward reducing the adverse impacts of humanity’s reliance upon fossil fuel resources and enabling a transition to renewable energy sources. Above all, our research builds on our commitment to a safer, more sustainable future.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Principal Research Engineer, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you: Leverage expertise in materials development, testing, and scale-up to design, build, and deploy prototype, pilot-scale, and demonstration systems that advance technologies toward real-world application. Lead complex technical programs, delivering safe, high-quality results that meet technical, schedule, and budget objectives. Define technical strategy, engineering standards, and capability investments while evaluating emerging technologies and innovative approaches to improve safety, efficiency, scalability, and organizational effectiveness. Build strategic relationships with external partners and technology providers to strengthen organizational capabilities and accelerate innovation. Mentor and develop technical staff while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Drive data integrity and scientific rigor through effective use of LIMS, data repositories, and data-driven decision-making tools. Expand the institute’s visibility and influence through presentations, publications, and participation in external professional organizations. Apply sound technical judgment, creativity, and systems thinking to solve complex interdisciplinary challenges. Comply with the Underwriters Laboratories Code of Conduct and all laboratory safety, physical security, and digital security requirements. Perform additional duties as assigned.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes:

People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require. Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good. Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs. Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

What makes you a great fit:

• Collaborative, inclusive, and positive work ethic.
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling productive collaboration with researchers, engineers, and cross‑functional partners.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing the materials discovery and research mission.
• Proven problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and development of practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Adaptability, responsiveness, and a sense of urgency, with a balanced focus on near‑term results and long‑term improvement.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10% annually) for training, conferences, and project‑related activities.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 10 years post Ph.D. degree of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering or a related technical discipline plus 12 years post master’s degree of relevant experience, or, Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a related technical discipline plus 15 years or more post bachelor’s degree of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience defining strategy, evaluating emerging technologies, establishing best practices, and guiding capability development and capital investments for prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Extensive hands‑on experience designing, constructing, commissioning, starting up, and operating prototype, pilot-scale, demonstration, and testing systems.
• Demonstrated experience applying process safety methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, What‑If, FMEA, or similar) to identify hazards, implement risk mitigation measures, and incorporate inherent safety principles into equipment and process design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and mentor staff.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Total Rewards:

All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

Salary Range:

Salary Range: $131,186.31-$180,381.17 Pay Type: Salary

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org