Haley Ecker’s career at UL Solutions is a testament to curiosity, resilience and growth. What began in an analytical chemistry lab has evolved into a rewarding role in engineering, where she now helps evaluate and certify the components that make up critical construction materials. Driven by a desire to learn more about the business and take on new challenges, Haley embraced change and found a new path — one that continues to expand her skills and impact in building a safer world.
Can you tell me about your career?
This will be my fifth year with UL Solutions. I started in 2021 in the analytical chemistry lab. In 2023, when the organization made the decision to close the lab where I worked, I decided I wanted to find a way to stay. I didn’t want to leave UL Solutions and was already thinking about moving into engineering before the announcement, so I decided it was time to make it happen.
My degree is in forensic science. I enjoyed working in the lab, but as I learned more about UL Solutions and how widespread our business is, I wanted to better understand it and learn new skills. There was a little voice in my head saying, “Wouldn’t it be nice to see what engineering is like?”
Since moving to engineering, it has exceeded my expectations. Seeing the impact of our work in the labs through an engineering lens has been especially insightful. I work within Engineered Materials on the Component Products team. We focus on construction components, evaluating the individual parts that make up a finished product. We test and certify each component before it is used to create larger components.
What keeps you at UL Solutions?
In addition to wanting to learn more about the business, I love all the people I work with. I have never had a bad experience with anyone at UL Solutions. I didn’t want to leave that behind when the business changed locations. Every single person cares so much about the work they do and really wants to put in the effort to make a difference. I know I can go to anyone, ask any question, and someone will help me or point me in the right direction. We have such a positive environment regardless of what team you are on, and we are strong collaborators. I don’t think that is something a lot of people get to say about their company.
Can you describe a time someone has supported you in a meaningful or unexpected way?
When I began transitioning from the lab to engineering, we were in a difficult spot. There was still a lot of handoff work and training to complete as my previous lab was closing. At the same time, I was transitioning into my new role in engineering.
The managers for both teams were so helpful and accommodating, making sure I wasn’t falling short in either role. Having support from both managers, who understood that we were all one team, meant I was able to smoothly transfer and grow my career in engineering despite this coming at a difficult time. I couldn’t have done it without their support, kindness and understanding.
Why is creating a safer world important to you?
A lot of people take safety for granted. Before I came to work for UL Solutions, I would never have thought about whether something was safe for me to use or keep in my house. And that’s why I think our work is so important. We do our work so the public doesn’t have to think about whether something is up to safety standards. We make a real difference in people’s lives, often without them even knowing it. That’s such a great mission to have.
My parents both work in construction and only use UL Certified materials. They were thrilled when I joined the company because they already understood how important our work is. It is a happy coincidence that I have ended up testing and certifying construction materials in my work as well. It is great to think that my work is directly contributing to my parents’ safety in their work.
What is the most interesting or exciting aspect of your role?
At UL Solutions, as an engineer project associate, what I really like is when new projects come in, and I get to investigate both what the client is looking to achieve and what we need to do to support it. I go through the history of a product, look at past documents and previous standards, and pull all this information together to determine what tests we require. It’s like being a safety detective.
Can you share your proudest achievement at UL Solutions?
I worked on a project that became the first baseline project for a brand-new standard. It was very successful. I didn’t think at the time, as I went about my normal day-to-day work, that this would be any different, even though it was a more unique requirement. As the project progressed, it began receiving recognition across the company. It was mentioned at events by my manager and then by senior leaders, and it became an important piece of work for Engineered Materials that year. I didn’t realize the full impact at first, but it started being mentioned around the organization as a big success, and suddenly my name was on a town hall slide. It was really cool that it got so much attention and drove forward a brand-new standard.
What has changed the most about you since you joined UL Solutions?
Working at UL Solutions in engineering has made me much more open and confident, and I am much more confident in my work. This was my first role out of school, and I was not very confident at first. Five years later, I am more decisive and take accountability for my work. I understand what needs to be done and how to do it, and if I fall short, I know where I need to go to fill in the gaps. I feel much more assertive and confident in my decision-making.
What are your future ambitions at UL Solutions?
I plan to continue growing my competencies and expanding my knowledge of the products we certify. I would like to take a greater role in certification decisions and have the responsibility to make the trickier calls on more difficult projects. Over time, I hope to move into a management role and lead a team.
What legacy would you like to leave behind throughout your work with UL Solutions?
Whenever I am going through old test records, I often see the names of highly regarded former employees. I would love to be remembered the same way — as someone colleagues speak about with respect and appreciation. I hope to be known as a go-to expert who others valued working with and wish were still there to support them.