ABB
R&D Center Lead - Electrical Design

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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
In This Role
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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


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