Lead Research Engineer I - Battery Fire

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Research Engineer I - Battery Fire at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland office.

The Lead Research Engineer I - Battery Fire initiates, directs, and executes high-level engineering research studies for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes (ULRI). Plans, designs, conducts experiments, and analyzes data to develop novel research findings. Leads studies and analysis to determine the feasibility of engineering approaches. Develops concepts and criteria to resolve major problems in current programs or approaches. Serves as the primary source for fundamental engineering research, and acts as an in-house and outside expert. Plans and conducts experiments to further the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to hazard based safety engineering. Has substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art engineering principals and theories, and uses professional concepts and procedures to solve a wide range of research-based problems.

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 Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world's unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL's public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we share with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Lead Research Engineer I-Battery Fire, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Identify fundamental knowledge needed to enhance ULRI's thought leadership and support the strategy of ULRI.

• Apply intensive and diverse knowledge of engineering technology and systems engineering concepts to specific research tasks.

• Exercise a high degree of judgment in formulating, evaluating, and correlating broad engineering research concepts and guiding the analysis of unique problems and developing new and improved techniques and methods.

• Analyze product data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions, and evaluate technical specifications and factors related to process or design objectives.

• Stay ahead of changing technologies in the field by reading journal articles and other technical publications, attending academic conferences, writing and collaborating on original peer-reviewed publications, and delivering presentations on research and engineering topics.

• Collaborate with industry, academics and other research and development staff to apply the results of research to the development of new techniques, products, practices and UL Standards.

• Maintain and develop extensive knowledge of current and new technologies for new products, as well as current needs and trends.

• Oversee multiple research projects and project teams.

• Serve as primary investigator (PI) for research projects.

• Develop research project budgets and ensure that projects are run within budgeting constraints.

• Ensure that research quality standards are met.

• Performs other duties as directed.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• 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.

• 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.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated general knowledge of scientific and engineering disciplines including fire dynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

• Knowledgeable in the design and operating principles of fire detection and protection systems.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain and develop academic and applied knowledge and skills.

• Proficient in the design and operating principles of li-ion battery operation.

• Adept in the fundamentals of li-ion battery thermal runaway and the subsequent development of fire and explosion hazards.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Advanced data analysis skills, including an adeptness with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for the analysis and visualization of experimental results.

• Advanced experimental design skills, and a thorough understanding of instruments and measurement techniques utilized in fire testing and research.

• Ability to collaborate with peers and work directly with Research Engineers and other team members to complete a project from start to finish.

• Ability to serve as lead author on technical reports and manuscripts.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, plus 12 or more years of directly related work experience.

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, plus 8 or more years of directly related work experience.

• PhD in mechanical engineering or a related discipline, plus 6 or more years of directly related work experience.

• Recognized research accomplishments, including peer-reviewed works published in reputable journals, impactful technical reports, patents, and presentations

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.

Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

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

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