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Global Voices with Zachary Berndl

Zachary Berndl shares how he’s grown his career from an intern to a field engineer at UL Solutions, where he supports customers in the Chicagoland area. Learn what excites Zachary most about his job and how his dad’s influence led him to UL Solutions.

Zachary Berndl, UL Solutions

January 21, 2025

Can you please share your background?

I grew up in the Midwest, specifically in the Plainfield/Naperville area, where I developed a deep interest in engineering and technology from a young age, largely due to my dad's influence. I earned my bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, which provided a solid foundation for my current career path and eventually led me to specialize in compliance.

How did you get into your line of work?

I started with an internship in the Controls Lab at Northbrook during the summer before my last year of college. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of safety in electrical systems. Once I graduated, I applied for a position within the Energy Systems & eMobility department as a project handler. After about four years of working in engineering, I decided to transition into the field to gain more hands-on experience and see how safety standards are applied in real-world manufacturing environments.

What brought you to UL Solutions, and how long have you worked here?

Ever since I can remember, my dad worked for UL, and growing up, he would always remind me and my brothers about general fire and electrical safety, as well as the importance of wearing proper PPE. Being surrounded by these safety principles throughout my life, I naturally gravitated toward working for UL. It felt like a perfect fit, given my background and interests. I've been with UL Solutions for five years and during my time here, I’ve been able to contribute to a variety of exciting and impactful projects.

Can you describe your typical work week?

My typical week involves traveling to various factories around the Chicagoland area to ensure products are manufactured according to the safety standards we’ve tested them against. I collaborate with manufacturers to address any compliance issues that arise and work closely with the UL Solutions team to verify that products are built safely from design to production.

What are your favorite things about working at UL Solutions?

I appreciate the company’s commitment to safety and innovation. Being part of a team that is constantly pushing boundaries in safety science is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the collaborative environment, where everyone is focused on a shared goal — making the world a safer place.

How would you describe the culture at UL Solutions?

The culture here is supportive and focused on continuous improvement. There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation, where ideas are encouraged and valued. Everyone is dedicated to upholding the high standards that UL Solutions is known for, while also striving to grow and adapt to new challenges.

How do you help UL Solutions work for a safer world?

My work directly impacts product safety. By ensuring that manufacturers follow strict guidelines during production, I help prevent potential hazards before products ever reach consumers. This helps ensure that everyday items are safe for people to use, contributing to UL Solutions’ mission of working for a safer world.

What makes you excited to go to work each day?

What excites me most is the variety — I like that I don’t see the same setting every day. I get to visit different manufacturers, see how a wide range of products are made and understand the unique processes behind their production. Each day presents new challenges, and I enjoy troubleshooting compliance issues, collaborating with different teams and knowing that my work has a direct impact on safety.

How has UL Solutions supported your career journey?

UL Solutions has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth, allowing me to progress from an intern in the Control Lab to a project handler, and eventually to a field engineer. They have always supported my career path, offering training and development resources at every stage. UL Solutions encourages employees to explore different roles and areas of interest, supporting you in whatever direction you want to take your career.