R&D Engineer

JobSpace; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ABB's Napier, New Zealand laboratory seeks an R&D Engineer to support the development and testing of power electronics products. You will help deliver high-quality test services, prototype hardware test rigs, and contribute to reliability strategies in a fast-paced lab environment.

You will work with Agile teams, define test requirements, and apply international safety standards while solving complex technical challenges related to UPS, energy storage, and other power electronics applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering.
• Basic knowledge of software tools like Opal-RT, MATLAB and Python.
• Experience with 3-phase systems.

Responsibilities

• Definition of product test requirements.
• Electrical-electronics testing, including high power, using test equipment and reporting.
• Component engineering – sourcing alternate parts and defining qualification plans.
• Reliability engineering.
• International standards for product safety (CE & UL).
• Prototyping of hardware test rigs.
• Automation of testing.
• Strong problem solving and debugging skills.

Skills

Opal-RT

MATLAB

Python

Three-phase

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Electrical/Electronic Eng

Tools

Opal-RT

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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 Lab Team Lead

We are seeking a R&D Engineer to be part of a laboratory organization supporting the product designers applying power electronics building blocks in the design of Power Electronics Products, supplying high quality test services and knowledge of testing, reliability and international standards.

The work model for the role is: onsite

This role is contributing to the Critical Power Business within the Electrification Business Area in Napier, New Zealand. You will work closely with Agile teams supporting development projects and advising on best methods of test

Technical Contribution

• Definition of product test requirements
• Electrical-electronics testing, sometimes high power, use of test equipment, writing reports
• Component engineering – finding alternate parts and defining qualification plans
• Reliability engineering
• International standards for product safety (CE & UL)
• Prototyping of hardware test rigs
• Automation of testing
• Strong problem solving and debugging skills

Qualifications for the role

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic engineering
• Basic knowledge software tools Like Opal -RT, MATLAB, Python
• Previous exposure to, and experience with 3phase systems.
• Experience of any of the following products: UPS, Energy storage systems, variable speed drives, PLC

More about us

ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division's technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices, as well as the Power Protection unit which supports the world's largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. ABB Ability Energy Manager is a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

ABB's power conditioning business in Napier, New Zealand is a recognized leader in developing next-generation UPS and power conditioning solutions for critical applications. The team is dedicated to delivering advanced, reliable solutions that provide stable, high-quality power supply for data centers, industrial plants, and critical infrastructure worldwide.

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.