R&D Centre Lead - Electrical Design

USTBC ABB Installation Products Inc.; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private medical cover

Employee assistance programme

Mobility opportunities

Job summary

ABB Installation Products Division seeks a senior leader to head the Electrical Design competency across the EMEA region. You will define strategy, engineering standards, and drive capability development to deliver advanced electrical solutions.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee testing labs, and collaborate with Product Management, Sales, and Operations to ensure robust, compliant products. This role demands extensive leadership and hands-on technical authority.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 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.
• Experience leading engineering teams across multiple locations.
• Knowledge of IEC, EN, UL, CSA, IEEE and other standards.
• Experience with electrical testing, validation, and design verification.
• Fluent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Electrical Design competency across the EMEA region.
• Develop multidisciplinary engineering teams and ensure capability and resources.
• Drive development of electrical products and solutions including medium-voltage systems.
• Provide technical leadership for complex engineering challenges.
• Oversee Electrical and Medium Voltage Laboratory operations and testing readiness.
• Build technology roadmaps aligned with customer needs and market trends.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Innovation and partners.
• Serve as senior technical authority for electrical engineering technologies in the region.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Leadership

Project Management

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering

Job description

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 Global Unit Lead

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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 ThomasBetts), 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