R&D Manager, GBL Power Reliability

As R&D Manager, GBL Power Reliability at ABB in Switzerland, you will lead the global Power Reliability R&D organisation, driving the development of excitation and synchronisation systems to ensure the stability and security of power plants and grids. You will play a pivotal role in shaping ABB’s technology strategy and delivering impactful solutions for renewable and hydro generation.

• Lead the global R&D organisation for excitation, synchronisation, hydropower, and emerging applications such as hydrogen electrolysis rectifiers.
• Take ownership of line management for team leads and coordinate external partners and Hydro Execution Centres.
• Translate the product roadmap into technology roadmaps, development plans, and investment proposals.
• Deliver the R&D portfolio by balancing resources, budget, quality, and time-to-market through structured gate processes and clear performance indicators.
• Drive platform renewal and lifecycle management, including technical product lifecycle from development to end-of-life.
• Ensure designs are secure and compliant with regulatory, cybersecurity, and product-standard requirements, including CE, EU Cyber Resilience Act, IEC 62443, grid codes, and excitation standards.
• Develop engineering talent and succession plans, optimise the global R&D footprint, and manage technology risks and intellectual property.
• Promote reusable platforms and manage technology risks and intellectual property.

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience across R&D, engineering, or product development in power generation, energy, or industrial automation, with demonstrated accountability for development delivery.
• At least five years of leadership experience in an international organisation, including leading distributed, multicultural teams and developing engineering teams.
• Solid understanding of power electronics and control systems in power generation or closely related industrial applications; experience in excitation, synchronisation, hydropower, or industrial rectifiers is an advantage.
• Experience in translating business strategy and customer needs into technology roadmaps, investment priorities, and development portfolios, using structured governance, budgets, and performance indicators.
• Experience managing technical product lifecycles, including obsolescence, long-term installed-base support, and transitions between mature and next-generation products.
• Solid knowledge of applicable regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks, including CE requirements, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and IEC 62443, with the ability to guide compliance across specialist teams.
• Structured, decisive, and collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to align stakeholders without direct authority and communicate clearly across technical and management audiences.
• Fluent English is required; German language is an advantage.

ABB is a global technology company focused on delivering impactful solutions for renewable and hydro generation, with a strong commitment to product excellence and compliance.

The role involves leading distributed, multicultural teams and collaborating with external partners and Hydro Execution Centres within a global R&D organisation.