R&D Center Lead - Electrical Design

ABB; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave + holidays

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private medical cover

Job summary

ABB is looking for an experienced leader to head Electrical Design across the EMEA region, shaping technical strategy and engineering standards while guiding multidisciplinary teams. The role focuses on delivering R&D projects, developing electrical products, and ensuring safety and compliance.

You will oversee laboratories, roadmaps, and collaboration with Product Management, Sales, Operations and partners to drive innovative solutions at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical product or system development.
• Strong knowledge of electrical product and system architecture, insulation coordination, electrical stress analysis, thermal performance and EMC principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Electrical Design competency across the EMEA region, defining technical strategy, engineering standards, capability development and annual objectives.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring the right skills, capacity and resources are available to deliver R&D projects successfully.
• Drive the development of electrical products and solutions including medium-voltage systems, surge protection, earthing, lightning protection and sensor-enabled technologies.
• Provide technical leadership for complex engineering challenges, including problem solving, failure analysis, risk reduction and design governance.
• Oversee the safe and effective operation and continuous development of the Electrical and Medium Voltage Laboratory, including testing capability and certification readiness.
• Build and implement technology roadmaps aligned with customer needs, market trends and strategic business priorities.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Innovation teams and external partners to deliver innovative products and solutions.
• Serve as the senior technical authority and key stakeholder for electrical engineering technologies across the region.

Skills

Electrical leadership

System architecture

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Job description

This position reports to:

R&D Global Unit Lead

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.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead and represent Research and Development (R&D) operations to achieve the agreed R&D targets. Each day, you will ensure delivery of R&D results to enhance ABB's position and profitability while supporting global R&D management in developing technology and footprint strategies. You will also showcase your expertise by fostering effective and trust-based cooperation with other local R&D operations.

Our Team Dynamics

Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.

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.

Your Role And Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact.

Work model: Hybrid

• Lead the Electrical Design competency across the EMEA region, defining technical strategy, engineering standards, capability development and annual objectives.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring the right skills, capacity and resources are available to deliver R&D projects successfully.
• Drive the development of electrical products and solutions including medium-voltage systems, surge protection, earthing, lightning protection and sensor-enabled technologies.
• Provide technical leadership for complex engineering challenges, including problem solving, failure analysis, risk reduction and design governance.
• Oversee the safe and effective operation and continuous development of the Electrical and Medium Voltage Laboratory, including testing capability and certification readiness.
• Build and implement technology roadmaps aligned with customer needs, market trends and strategic business priorities.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Innovation teams and external partners to deliver innovative products and solutions.
• Serve as the senior technical authority and key stakeholder for electrical engineering technologies across the region.

Qualifications For The Role

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, High-Voltage Engineering, Electronics or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical product or system development within electrical distribution, industrial controls, protection, grounding, surge protection or related sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical product and system architecture, insulation coordination, electrical stress analysis, thermal performance and EMC principles.
• Experience leading engineering teams and managing technical decision-making across multiple locations and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of relevant IEC, EN, UL, CSA, IEEE and other applicable industry standards and certification requirements.
• Experience with electrical testing, validation, type-test preparation, failure analysis and design verification activities.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

Benefits

ABB offers a full range of benefits to help you thrive at work and beyond.

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme
• Company car
• Private medical cover for yourself and partner
• Generous bonus scheme

For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

More About Us

ABB Installation Products Division (formerly Thomas&Betts), helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and people around the world. The Commercial Essentials product segment includes electrical junction boxes, commercial fittings, strut and cable tray metal framing systems for commercial and residential construction. The Premier Industrial product segment includes multiple product lines, such as Ty-Rap® cable ties, T&B Liquidtight Systems® protection products, PVC coated and nylon conduit systems, power connection and grounding systems, and cable protection systems of conduits and fittings for harsh and industrial applications. The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market under its marquee brands including Elastimold™ reclosers and switchgear, capacitor switches, current limiting fuses, Homac™ distribution connectors, Hi-Tech Valiant™ full-range current limiting fuse for fire mitigation, faulted current indicators and distribution connectors, cable accessories and apparatus with products for overhead and underground distribution. Manufacturing includes made-to-stock and custom-made solutions.

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world.

Run What Runs the World.

#RunwithABB

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?