20 UL Solutions Interview Questions and Answers

UL is a global independent safety science company with more than 120 years of expertise in advancing safety and security. UL provides testing, inspection, auditing, certification, consulting, and training services to companies in a variety of industries worldwide.

If you’re interviewing for a job at UL, you can expect to be asked a mix of questions about your experience, qualifications, and availability. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample UL interview questions and answers.

UL Solutions Interview Process

The interview process at UL Solutions is generally pretty smooth and straightforward. In most cases, it will start with a phone call with a recruiter, followed by an interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the team. In some cases, there may also be a video component to the interview. Overall, the process is relatively quick and easy, and should not take more than a few weeks from start to finish.

1. Tell us about your experience with engineering design.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your experience with UL solutions and how you apply them to projects. Use examples from past work or school projects that highlight your ability to use engineering design principles to create safe products.

Example: “In my last role, I worked on several different types of projects, including designing new packaging for our product line and creating prototypes for new equipment. In both cases, I used engineering design principles to ensure the safety of the final products. For example, when working on the packaging project, I had to consider things like weight distribution and structural integrity. When working on the equipment project, I had to make sure all electrical components were UL-approved.”

2. What is the most important thing to remember when designing components?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the UL standards and how they apply to component design. Your answer should include a specific example from your experience that shows you understand the importance of following the UL standards when designing components.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when designing components is to make sure they are safe for use in the environment they will be installed in. For instance, I once worked on a project where we were tasked with creating a new type of solar panel. We had to ensure it was UL-certified before installing it at a client’s facility. The panels needed to withstand high winds and other environmental conditions while still producing enough energy to power the facility. After testing several prototypes, we found one that met all the requirements and could be used safely by our client.”

3. Describe a time when you were working on an engineering project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your conflict resolution skills. This is because working on an engineering project can sometimes involve disagreements between team members. Your answer should show that you are able to resolve conflicts in a calm and professional manner.

Example: “In my last position, I was working with another engineer who had different ideas than me regarding the best way to solve a problem. We both wanted to find the best solution for our client, so we decided to meet after work hours to discuss our ideas further. After discussing our thoughts, we were able to come up with a compromise that satisfied both of us.”

4. Do you have any experience with product certification testing?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the necessary experience for this role. If you do, share your experience with the interviewer and explain how it helped you in your previous job. If you don’t have any experience with product certification testing, you can talk about other certifications that are similar or discuss your ability to learn new things quickly.

Example: “I’ve worked on several projects where we had to ensure our products met UL standards. I was responsible for ensuring all of my team members were following the correct procedures when conducting their tests. This led to many successful certifications for our company.”

5. How do you think innovation will affect the future of engineering?

This question can help interviewers understand your perspective on the future of engineering and how you might fit into it. Use this opportunity to show that you’re excited about innovation in engineering and have a vision for what the field will look like in the future.

Example: “I think innovation is already affecting the future of engineering, especially with new technologies like 3D printing. I believe we’ll see more engineers working toward creating solutions that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, I would love to work on developing renewable energy sources that don’t require as much maintenance or produce waste.”

6. Are you comfortable managing projects independently?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the skills to work independently on a project. Use your answer to highlight your ability to manage projects and complete tasks without much supervision.

Example: “I am comfortable working independently, especially when I know what my goals are for a project. In my last role, I was tasked with creating an emergency evacuation plan for our facility. I knew that it would take me several days to create this plan, so I started early in the morning before anyone else arrived at work. I worked through lunch breaks and after hours until I completed the task. It took me about two weeks to finish the plan, but I did it all by myself.”

7. What are some things that you would consider when planning out an engineering project?

This question is a great way to see how the interviewer will use their knowledge of UL solutions in their work. Use your answer to highlight some important factors that you consider when planning out projects and discuss why they are important.

Example: “When I plan out an engineering project, I first look at the client’s needs and expectations for the final product. This helps me determine what materials we’ll need to build the project with and if there are any specific safety requirements or certifications that we’ll have to meet. I also make sure to include my team members’ input on the project so that everyone has a say in the process.”

8. What type of engineer are you interested in being?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand your career goals. It’s important that you are passionate about what you do, and this answer can help an employer see if you’re interested in their company because of its mission statement or if you’re just looking for any job. When answering this question, it’s best to be honest about your interests and how they align with the position.

Example: “I’m most passionate about being a structural engineer. I love figuring out how buildings stay up and designing new structures. I’ve always been fascinated by bridges, so I would love to work on a team that designs them.”

9. Can you tell me about a time where you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills. It can also show the interviewer how you approach challenges and what strategies you use to solve them.

Example: “I had a client who was having issues with their UL certification. They were not in compliance, but they didn’t know why. I started by asking questions about their business operations and looking at their documentation. After reviewing everything, I found that one of their employees had forged some documents. The employee was fired, and we were able to get the company back into compliance.”

10. What is your biggest strength as an engineer?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities as a professional engineer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the most important aspects of your job that you enjoy. Consider mentioning a skill or ability that you have developed over time and how it has helped you in your career.

Example: “My biggest strength as an engineer is my attention to detail. I’ve always been someone who enjoys solving problems and finding solutions, so I find engineering to be a very rewarding career for me. In my previous role, I was tasked with creating a new design for a product. After many hours of research and development, I created a solution that met all of our company’s needs while also improving upon the original product.”

11. Tell us why you want to work at UL Solutions.

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the company. It also allows you to show your enthusiasm for the position and the company as a whole. When answering this question, make sure to highlight what attracted you to the job in the first place.

Example: “I want to work at UL Solutions because of its reputation for excellence. I have heard many good things about the company from my colleagues and friends who work here. The fact that it’s an international organization with locations all over the world makes me even more excited to be part of the team. I am confident that I can bring value to the company and help it continue to grow.”

12. Have you ever worked with a team on a large scale project before?

This question can help interviewers understand your teamwork skills and how you interact with others. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific project or experience that involved working with a team on a large scale project.

Example: “Yes, I have worked with a team on a large-scale project before. In my last role as an IT specialist for a small business, we were tasked with creating a new website for the company. My team and I decided to create a content management system so the client could update their own site without needing our assistance. We split up the work between us and met regularly to discuss our progress and any challenges we faced.”

13. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you interact with your team and whether you prefer to work independently or in collaboration. Your answer should reflect your ability to collaborate with others, but also show that you are comfortable working alone when necessary.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as often as possible while I’m working on a project. I find it helpful to bounce ideas off of other people and ask for their input. However, if I am working on something that requires intense focus, I will let my team know so they don’t disturb me unless absolutely necessary.”

14. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and interests. You can answer this question by listing two or three areas of engineering that you are most passionate about, such as renewable energy, water treatment and structural design.

Example: “I am interested in all aspects of engineering, but I have a special interest in renewable energy solutions. I find it fascinating how engineers can create new ways to harness solar power and wind energy. In my last role, I worked on several projects related to solar panel installation and wind turbine construction.”

15. Give us an example of a time when you had to collaborate with other engineers or designers on a project.

When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight your communication skills and ability to work with others. Consider mentioning a time when you worked on a project with other engineers or designers and how you were able to collaborate effectively.

Example: “In my previous role as an engineer, I was tasked with creating a solution for a client’s website that would allow them to accept payments online. My team and I had to collaborate with the company’s marketing department to ensure we could create a user-friendly interface that would also support payment processing. We met with the marketing team regularly throughout the design process to discuss our progress and make sure we were meeting their needs.”

16. What do you know about UL Solutions?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of UL Solutions and how you can apply it in your role. Use this opportunity to show that you have an understanding of what UL Solutions does, its history and some of its most important projects.

Example: “UL Solutions is a global company that specializes in developing products that meet safety standards. The organization was founded by two engineers who wanted to create solutions for electrical problems. Since then, they’ve developed many different types of products including power supplies, surge protectors, lighting systems and more. They also offer consulting services to help companies develop their own UL-approved products.”

17. How many years of experience do you have working as an engineer?

This question is an opportunity to showcase your experience and expertise as a professional engineer. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to include the number of years you have worked in the industry and what projects you’ve completed during that time.

Example: “I have been working as a professional engineer for five years now. During my first two years, I was completing my master’s degree while also working part-time at a local engineering firm. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I began working full-time at the same company where I gained valuable experience designing buildings and structures. In my third year, I became a lead engineer on several projects, which helped me develop my skills even more.”

18. What kind of tools do you use for data analysis?

This question can help interviewers understand your technical skills and how you apply them to the job. Use examples of tools that you have used in previous roles, especially if they are similar to the ones this company uses.

Example: “I use several different data analysis tools for my work. I find Tableau a great tool for visualizing data and understanding trends. It’s also easy to share information with others using Tableau. Another tool I like is QlikView because it allows me to create interactive dashboards and reports. This helps me communicate complex data more clearly to stakeholders.”

19. We want our lab technicians to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you can work independently and are comfortable with the responsibilities of a lab technician. You can answer this question by describing how you have worked independently in the past, or you can describe what skills you would use to be successful working independently.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for this type of environment because I am used to working independently. In my last position as a lab technician, I was responsible for all aspects of testing samples, including collecting them, analyzing them and reporting the results. This allowed me to develop my problem-solving skills and learn how to troubleshoot when something went wrong.”

20. What is your experience with using various instruments and machines found in a laboratory setting?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with working in a laboratory setting. Use examples from previous work experiences or include information about any certifications you have that allow you to use these instruments and machines.

Example: “I’ve worked in a lab setting for the past five years, where I used various instruments and machines to test samples of materials. For example, I was responsible for testing the strength of concrete using a triaxial shear tester. In my current role as an engineer, I am responsible for overseeing the testing process and making sure it’s done correctly.”