R&D Senior Electrical Engineer

ABB; Richmond (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

ESAP (Employee Stock Acquisition Plan)

Health, life & disability benefits

Job summary

ABB in Richmond, VA, seeks a senior electrical engineer specializing in power electronics to lead MV switchgear design and related electrical schematics work. You will advance IP generation, guide junior engineers, and apply deep technical knowledge to meet customer specifications and project needs.

The role focuses on 3-phase power systems, circuit protection, and innovative engineering within an onsite team in the United States. ABB offers comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities.

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.
• Experience as a project leader or senior contributor, with ability to guide junior colleagues.
• Strong understanding of 3‑phase systems; additional knowledge of power systems, AutoCAD, or circuit simulation tools is advantageous.
• Candidate must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in USA

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

Skills

Power Electronics

3-phase systems

AutoCAD

Circuit simulation

Project leadership

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Circuit simulation tools

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 Team Lead

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

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 Aff…? (full paragraph from original)

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 Aff…? (full paragraph from original)

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 [e-mail]. 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?