R&D Senior Electrical Engineer

At ABB , we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

R&D Team Lead

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In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact. You will contribute significantly to successful project outcomes within technology, product, and solution development, including associated Intellectual Property (IP).

You will act as a key point of expertise in Research & Development, troubleshooting, and product engineering support. You will also apply your deep technical knowledge to propose and implement innovative ideas that strengthen our technology roadmap.

This role is an onsite in Richmond, VA and supports the Critical Power Group.

Our product portfolio spans Power Conditioning Product and Medium Voltage UPS systems.

Job Responsibilities:

Maintaining recognized expertise by integrating the latest developments in tools, technologies, and methodologies.

Identifying new approaches to technical challenges by forming hypotheses and validating innovative concepts.

Documenting findings, designs, and engineering work to support ongoing improvement and knowledge sharing.

Contributing to IP generation in your area of specialization and supporting project-level IP strategy.

Lead design and engineering of MV switchgear systems, including air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS) solutions

Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and protection & control philosophies

Specify and select components: circuit breakers, contactors, relays, busbars, CTs/VTs, and interlocking systems

Perform electrical calculations: short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash, thermal, and dielectric analyses

Analyze and interpret customer technical specifications and design tailored switchgear solutions

You will join a highly skilled, collaborative, and supportive R&D team where your creative ideas and technical insights will help shape the next generation of power conditioning solutions.

Job Qualifications:

Degree in Electrical Engineering and/or Power Electronics Engineering; postgraduate qualifications are desirable.

Advanced expertise in Power Electronics with a minimum of 5 years’ experience designing and maintaining power electronic systems within specialist teams.

Demonstrated experience as a project leader or senior project contributor, with strong understanding of tools, methodologies, and best practices — and the ability to guide junior colleagues.

Strong understanding of 3‑phase systems and Power Electronics; additional knowledge of power systems, AutoCAD, or circuit simulation tools is advantageous.

Proven ability to apply innovative thinking and technical creativity across complex R&D assignments.

Candidate must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in USA

What's in it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com . Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees

[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]

Go to myBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High-Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High-Deductible Plan.

Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus

Vision benefit

Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)

Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)

Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums

Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid

Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.

Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance

Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks

Employee Assistance Program

Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption

Employee discount program

Retirement

401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions

Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.