Job Description
The Director of R&D is a senior technical and business leader responsible for shaping and growing UL Solutions' applied research capability. This role leads multidisciplinary teams working across Fire Science Batteries and Energy Storage Materials Science Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Systems.
This leader is both a deeply accomplished engineer and a practical business builder. They translate technical excellence into customer value and sustainable revenue. The role is charged with expanding the influence of R&D on company strategy strengthening engagement with internal and external customers and driving growth through contract R&D programs and new high-value service development. The position sits at the intersection of technical rigor market awareness and business execution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Innovation
- Set and drive technical direction across multiple engineering and science disciplines.
- Lead development of innovative practical solutions to complex customer and industry problems.
- Serve as a recognized technical authority and trusted advisor within UL Solutions and with customers partners and regulators.
- Promote a culture of creativity speed disciplined experimentation and strong engineering fundamentals.
Strategy & Market Insight
- Translate market trends regulatory changes and emerging technologies into clear R&D priorities.
- Influence company direction by connecting technical capability to long-term growth opportunities.
- Identify white-space opportunities where UL Solutions can lead through new methods tools or services.
- Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Generate revenue through contract R&D programs with strategic customers.
- Lead the creation and launch of differentiated high-value technical services.
- Partner closely with sales marketing and product teams to shape compelling customer value propositions.
- Support strategic pursuits by providing technical leadership credibility and solution framing.
Customer & Ecosystem Engagement
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders customers regulators research institutions and industry partners.
- Increase customer engagement with R&D through collaborative programs joint development work and advisory roles.
- Represent UL Solutions in industry forums technical committees and standards organizations as appropriate.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead and develop high-performing teams of engineers scientists and technical specialists across multiple disciplines.
- Create an environment that values technical rigor curiosity accountability and continuous learning.
- Actively mentor and coach technical staff from early-career engineers to senior subject-matter experts.
- Identify and develop future technical leaders including succession planning for critical roles.
- Align individual development plans with business needs and long-term organizational goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in engineering or physical sciences (PhD preferred; MS with strong applied experience acceptable).
- Deep technical expertise in at least one core discipline with credibility across multiple engineering domains.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing engineers and scientists in applied R&D or advanced engineering environments.
- Proven track record of delivering complex R&D programs with measurable customer technical or commercial impact.
- Experience working with industry regulators and standards bodies is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in business development customer engagement or commercialization of technical work.
- Innovative problem solver who focuses on outcomes and practical solutions.
- Technically accomplished engineer with sound judgment and intellectual curiosity.
- Thought leader and outstanding communicator effective with executives customers and technical peers.
- Strategic thinker who understands markets customers and competitive dynamics.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to convert technical capability into revenue-generating offerings.
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 $183000 to $244000 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 30% of the base salary and a 30% RSU grant. 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 (20 days) holidays including 3 floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).
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ABOUT US
A global leader in applied safety science UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing inspection and certification services together with software products and advisory offerings that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate launch new products and services navigate global markets and complex supply chains and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
Skills Required
- Advanced degree in engineering or physical sciences (PhD preferred)
- Deep technical expertise in at least one core discipline
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineers and scientists
- Proven track record of delivering complex R&D programs
- Experience working with industry regulators and standards bodies
- Demonstrated success in business development or commercialization
- Thought leader and outstanding communicator
What the Team is Saying
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UL Solutions Compensation & Benefits Highlights
How does UL Solutions ensure its pay and bonus plans are competitive?
UL Solutions ensures pay and bonus plans are competitive by conducting formal compensation reviews annually. These reviews focus on ensuring that employees are paid within 25% of the median salary for their role in their region ensuring that pay is competitive globally and individuals receive fair pay wherever they are.
UL Solutions includes all full-time employees in its performance incentive program providing strong performers with an annual bonus driving productivity and satisfaction for employees who deliver on the shared mission of making the world a safer more sustainable place. Employees also note fairness in how performance is linked to outcomes.
UL Solutions Insights
What We Do
A global leader in applied safety science UL Solutions transforms safety security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing inspection and certification services together with software products and advisory offerings that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Certification Marks serve as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflect an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate launch new products and services navigate global markets and complex supply chains and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
Why Work With Us
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.
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UL Solutions Teams
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Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Depending on the role we offer hybrid or remote opportunities.
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Date Posted
06/08/2026
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