Engineering Technician - Fire Safety Research Institute

At UL, we know why we come to work.
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes (ULRI), is recruiting an Engineering Technician. This position is based at our Sharon Hill, PA (Philadelphia area) location. In this role, the Engineering Technician provides technical leadership in all laboratory and research facilities of the Fire Safety Research Institute. The Engineering Technician uses or directs the use of complicated equipment where there may be no published requirements. This includes setting up and performing tests that involve unique features and the use of independent judgement. May plan experiments, evaluate results, and report opinions and interpretations. May assist research staff to modify existing methods or develop and validate new test methods. Develops operating and test procedures. Trains and assists others in the laboratory. Assists in scheduling, assigning, reviewing and coordinating workflow to assure proper utilization of staff. May also supervise staff as directed.
The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) furthers UL Research Institutes' public safety mission by addressing unresolved Fire Safety risks and emerging dangers. Conducting rigorous research to advance Fire Safety science and knowledge, FSRI shares its insights through extensive outreach and education to provide the information and resources that will create a more fire-safe world.ds. May plan tests, evaluate test results and report opinions and interpretations. Responsible for maintaining safe working conditions in the lab and sample preparation workspaces.
At Underwriters Laboratories, we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. Underwriters Laboratories stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!
UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law.
What you'll learn & achieve:

• Examine test samples and reads measuring instruments, blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and operational instructions. Develops operating, maintenance, and test procedures based on laboratory procedures, standards and safety policies. Assists in scheduling, assigning, reviewing and coordinating workflow to assure proper utilization of staff. Directs the daily activities of designated staff. Advises supervisor on staffing levels, performance appraisals and merit ratings of staff.
• Design, adapt or direct the building of research test setups and equipment to new situations, based on analysis of test specifications and engineering department requests and instructions. Prepares purchase and material requisitions. Recommends solutions to observed test problems.
• Communicate with research staff to receive instructions, convey data and determine equipment availability and with clients during test setup and performance to demonstrate or otherwise illustrate equipment test methods and/or discuss test results. May communicate with UL field representatives to discuss follow-up tests, samples, equipment, methods and/or results.
• Communicate with research staff to offer suggestions pertinent to equipment needs and to arrange for delivery of materials to experiment site.
• Record observed or calculated data on appropriate media, software and test reports. Develops training seminars and may assist in training laboratory staff.
• Plan tests, evaluate test results and report opinions and interpretations. May assist PDEs and/or Engineering to modify existing methods or develop and validate new test methods.
• Assist in developing annual budgetary goals, capital expenditure budget for laboratory equipment, and tactical plans for the assigned laboratory section.
• Integrate continuous improvement concepts and techniques into all aspects of the job.
• Perform other duties as directed.

What makes you a great fit:

• Ability to perform fire testing and experiments in a large-scale research environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe machine and power tool operation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of measurement instrumentation and troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high quality and exceptional customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully partner with engineering and other laboratory personnel to complete projects in a timely manner with high quality.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze special testing needs.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor more junior laboratory staff.
• Highly effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to be innovative and creative.
• Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, bending, the ability to lift 50 lbs., work outdoors in hot and cold environments and ability to use safety equipment, such as a respirator
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite is a must.
• Ability to use CAD software, video editing software and Github

Experience and Education Requirements

• Some University education in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field; plus 6 years directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge or interest in Chemistry, Materials Science, Fire science, fire protection or chemical engineering.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following trades: construction, electrical, mechanical.
• Basic programming experience, preferred.
• Firefighting certification, preferred.
• Commercial Drivers license, a plus.

What you'll experience working at UL:

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn't new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you'll almost always hear, "the people." Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We're able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers' create. We're inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. We provide Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that UL contributes to twice per year! Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

Learn More:
UL Research Institutes is an affiliated nonprofit organization 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 wholly owned subsidiary, UL Inc., advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Inc., which 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.