UL Solutions is a global safety science and testing organization that provides testing, inspection, certification, advisory services, and software to help companies manage risk and meet regulatory requirements. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, ...
“People here are smart and genuinely helpful,” says one lab engineer. “You’ll find mentors who care about your growth,” adds a recent hire. A few longer-tenured employees mention that teams are collaborative and you can expect practical hands-on work. Some staff note that onboarding can be uneven depending on the business unit, but most agree that the day-to-day feels purposeful. Overall, testimonials balance praise for meaningful work with calls for clearer initial guidance.
If you are curious about company culture at UL Solutions, expect a mix of technical rigor and safety-first values. The culture emphasizes precision, compliance, and thorough testing, but there is also room for problem-solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration. People here respect expertise and there are regular opportunities for peer learning. The atmosphere is professional without being overly rigid, and the organization tends to reward methodical thinking.
Work-life balance at UL Solutions generally leans positive. Employees report flexible schedules in many roles, especially for office-based and technical staff with predictable workloads. There are busy periods tied to project deadlines and certification cycles, yet managers tend to be understanding about personal time when the workload is steady. If a role involves on-site testing or field work, expect more variability in hours.
Job security is moderate to strong in many core testing and compliance roles. The company provides services that are consistently in demand across industries, which supports steady employment. There are occasional reorganizations that affect specific business units; however, layoffs are not a constant. Employees working in niche or rapidly changing markets may experience more uncertainty.
Leadership emphasizes technical competence and regulatory knowledge. Senior leaders articulate clear safety and quality priorities and often have industry backgrounds, which helps with credibility. Communication from the top can be pragmatic, though there are times when changes are rolled out without full visibility into long-term plans. Overall, the leadership team is competent but could improve transparency around strategy and resourcing.
Managers are generally described as supportive and detail-oriented. Many are promoted from technical backgrounds and therefore understand the work they are managing. Performance feedback tends to be role-focused and practical, with an emphasis on meeting standards and milestones. Where managers struggle is in career coaching and cross-departmental coordination; some employees feel they could use more development training in people management.
There are solid learning and development resources, including internal training, technical workshops, and access to industry-standard certifications. The company invests in upskilling for technical roles and offers time for continuing education in many departments. Employees who take initiative and sign up for the offered programs will find ample opportunities to expand their expertise.
Promotion pathways are available but can be structured and incremental. Advancement is often tied to demonstrated technical mastery and tenure rather than rapid lateral moves. For those who want a managerial track, openings exist but competition is steady. Employees who proactively broaden their skill set and network across the organization will have better prospects for advancement.
Salaries at UL Solutions vary by function, geography, and experience. Entry-level technical roles typically range from approximately $50,000 to $75,000 annually. Mid-level engineers and specialists commonly earn between $75,000 and $120,000. Senior engineers, managers, and specialized consultants may see compensation from $110,000 up to $180,000 or higher in some markets. These figures are approximate and will vary by location.
Bonuses are generally modest and performance-based. Incentive structures vary by business unit, with some teams eligible for annual performance bonuses and others receiving spot awards for project contributions. Long-term incentives are less common for non-executive staff. Overall, the bonus framework exists but is not a primary component of total compensation for most roles.
Health and insurance benefits are comprehensive and meet typical market standards. Medical, dental, and vision plans are offered, along with life and disability insurance. The company provides retirement savings plans with matching contributions in many regions. Benefits are generally rated positively by employees who use them, though plan specifics depend on location and employment level.
Employee engagement is supported through town halls, internal newsletters, and occasional in-person events. There are functional team gatherings, safety days, and recognition programs that aim to build community across dispersed sites. Engagement activities vary by office and lab location, so local teams influence how vibrant the social and cultural life will be.
Remote work support is reasonable and has improved with hybrid policies in recent years. Many corporate and professional roles can work remotely part of the week, while lab and field roles require a physical presence. Tools for virtual collaboration are provided and IT support is responsive. Hybrid arrangements are typically negotiated with managers based on job requirements.
Typical working hours are close to a standard full-time schedule, around 40 hours per week. Periods of heavier workload will push hours into evenings or weekends for project delivery or testing cycles. Shift work is common in certain labs and testing centers, with variable schedules that may include early mornings, nights, or rotating shifts.
Attrition rates are moderate and largely tied to market conditions and specialized skill demands. The company has undergone periodic restructures in response to business shifts; these have sometimes resulted in targeted reductions but not widespread layoffs across the entire organization. Employee turnover tends to be higher in certain contract-heavy or project-driven units.
Overall, UL Solutions is a solid employer for professionals who value technical rigor, meaningful work, and steady benefits. The company will suit those seeking stability in safety, testing, and compliance services, and it offers reliable learning opportunities. Areas for improvement include clearer career pathways, more transparent leadership communication, and enhancement of incentive programs. A fair overall rating would be 3.8 out of 5, reflecting strong fundamentals with room to grow.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at UL Solutions
Great place for HR professionals — emphasis on employee development, fair parental leave policies. Leadership listens and acts on feedback.
Legacy systems that need upgrading.
Hands-on testing, strong safety protocols
Long shifts during peak months and occasional understaffing.
Flexible remote days, good teammates
Compensation lags behind market for SWE roles. Promotion track is a bit slow but doable with visible effort.
Strong focus on safety and career growth, mentors are very supportive and there are plenty of certification opportunities at UL Solutions.
Bureaucracy can slow decision-making.
