Compliance Engineer

Department: Research and Development

Reports To: Director of Research and Development

Position Overview As our new Compliance Engineer, you will take the helm of our product safety and regulatory certification initiatives (including UL, ETL, NSF, DOE, CE, UKCA, and EPA) throughout the entire product lifecycle. In this crucial role, you will drive compliance strategies and collaborate extensively with Engineering, R&D, Procurement, and Supply Chain to ensure that regulatory standards are seamlessly integrated into product design from day one.

As part of an employee-centric organization, you will play a vital part in upholding product integrity and doing business the right way for the long haul. You will hold the ultimate decision-making power regarding certification approaches, testing schedules, facility audits, and essential documentation like the Approved Components List (ACL). Furthermore, you will monitor engineering modifications, mitigate compliance risks, and guarantee our products are fully certified and launch-ready, reporting your outcomes directly to the Director of R&D.

Core Responsibilities

Certification & Regulatory Affairs Management

• Spearhead and administer all product certifications (UL, ETL, NSF, DOE, CE, UKCA, EPA, etc.) across our portfolio, establishing timelines and strategic priorities.
• Act as the main liaison and authoritative voice with external testing laboratories, auditors, and certification bodies, actively troubleshooting technical and procedural roadblocks.
• Drive end-to-end certification initiatives, encompassing testing coordination, formal submissions, audits, and necessary follow-up actions.
• Oversee and safeguard crucial compliance documentation, including test reports, product labels, regulatory standards, and the Approved Components List (ACL).
• Stay ahead of regulatory shifts, assist with customer documentation inquiries, and provide consistent status updates, budget projections, and timeline forecasts to R&D leadership.

Engineering & Product Development Collaboration

• Team up with Engineering and R&D groups to weave compliance requirements into the fabric of product design right from the conceptual phase through to commercialization.
• Facilitate design reviews and make definitive judgments regarding the compliance impact of proposed engineering, supplier, or component alterations.
• Determine the necessary course of action for modifications (e.g., required re-testing, agency notifications, or certification amendments), ensuring leadership is kept in the loop.
• Provide the final compliance approval for product launch readiness, verifying that all essential certifications are secured prior to market release.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Purchasing to guarantee that all sourced parts maintain their compliance status over their lifespan.

Auditing & Risk Mitigation

• Formulate, deploy, and refine internal product compliance protocols and operational controls.
• Conduct internal audits encompassing products, processes, and documentation to uphold stringent regulatory adherence.
• Proactively pinpoint compliance vulnerabilities and execute effective mitigation strategies.
• Direct the investigation and resolution of any certification setbacks, regulatory non-conformities, or compliance hurdles.
• Champion Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) initiatives, driving all findings to a successful resolution and closure.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, or a related discipline (equivalent proven experience will be considered in lieu of a degree).
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in regulatory affairs, product certification, or compliance management, including hands-on experience spearheading certification projects.
• Formal training in UL Standards / UL Fundamentals (or verifiable equivalent experience) is required.
• Practical knowledge and experience with ISO 9001 internal auditing standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with ISO 17025 or past experience partnering with accredited testing laboratories.
• Formal training in Root Cause Analysis and CAPA methodologies.
• Proven track record of taking UL, ETL, NSF, or comparable certifications from initial application to final approval.
• Working knowledge of UKCA and/or CE regulatory frameworks.
• Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Exceptional decision-making capabilities, demonstrating the judgment to solve compliance challenges autonomously while recognizing when escalation is appropriate.
• Project Management: Robust organizational expertise, capable of juggling multiple compliance pipelines and ensuring steady progress to closure.
• Meticulous Precision: High attention to detail coupled with the discipline to track tasks, audits, and submissions accurately.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable utilizing modern software, including AI-assisted and digital tools, to streamline documentation, accelerate decision-making, and minimize manual tracking.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while concurrently managing various technical initiatives.
• Clear Communication: Adept at translating complex regulatory jargon into clear, actionable guidance for cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team player tailored for cross-departmental teamwork spanning R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and external agencies.
• Professional Representation: Confidence when interacting directly with testing labs and certification organizations, effectively representing the company's interests in high-stakes technical discussions.