Job Description

Overview

The UL Solutions Research and Development team is looking for a motivated laboratory technician to assist in researching and testing fire and explosion safety issues, particularly in the energy and fire protection sectors. The role involves laboratory testing, logistics, and the development of novel test programs and equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Provides technical support in the design and construction of test fixtures and systems.
  • Designs and builds test setups for new test situations based on specifications and discussions with engineers.
  • Examines test samples and interprets measuring instruments and operational instructions.
  • Develops test procedures based on laboratory standards and safety policies.
  • Engages in firefighting activities during live fire tests under supervision.
  • Sets and operates data acquisition suites for custom test scenarios.
  • Assists in scheduling and coordinating workflow for laboratory utilization.
  • Operates with minimal supervision within defined limits of responsibility.
  • Attends meetings and communicates effectively to complete tasks.
  • Prepares purchase and material requisitions.
  • Maintains cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces.
  • Integrates continuous improvement concepts into all aspects of the job.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • At least a 2-year university degree in engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
  • Prior experience in hands-on laboratory work and mechanical design/assembly is required.
  • Qualifications to operate a forklift, boom lift, and scissor lift.
  • Willingness to be trained in active firefighting in full turn-out gear.
  • Ability to obtain self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certification.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with high quality.
  • Hands-on experience using and safely operating a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Highly effective communication skills and ability to interact with customers.
  • Demonstrated project experience involving creative problem solving.
  • Desire to work in a team-oriented environment.

Benefits

  • 401k
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO

Benefits

401k
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
PTO

How this job compares in Northbrook, IL

Pay in context

At roughly $36/hr, this posting lands within a few percent of the $33/hr median for welding jobs across Illinois, whose middle half runs $28–$40/hr across 241 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 58% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. In other words it is a market-rate offer, so benefits, overtime, and shift schedule are where the real difference between this and the next posting on the list shows up.

The local market in Northbrook, IL

Northbrook, IL currently has 3 other active welding openings besides this one, spread across 2 employers. 1 of them was added in the last week. Across Illinois as a whole we're tracking 338 other active welding openings from 202 employers. That's enough local activity to be worth comparing two or three offers before committing. Browse every welding job in Northbrook, or widen the search to Illinois.

UL Solutions currently has 2 other openings live in Illinois, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Illinois at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Gerber Collision & Glass (14), S&C Electric Company (11), and Venteon (10). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Illinois, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Downers Grove at $46/hr, Chicago at $37/hr, and Elk Grove Village at $34/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Northbrook, IL

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. R&D Laboratory Technician - Fire Safety figures were last recalculated when this page was built.