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This position reports to:

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Lead the technology behind ABB’s excitation and synchronization systems. These systems keep power plants stable and grids secure, and they support a growing share of renewable and hydro generation.

As Global R&D Manager, you will lead ABB’s global Power Reliability R&D organization, turning technology strategy into products and systems that create lasting customer value.

Location: Turgi/Baden, Switzerland (onsite/hybrid)

This position is a full time job.

The position will be hired in Switzerland (Turgi/Baden). The selected candidate should be able either work there (and eligible to gain required work permits) or relocate – with possible relocation support provided as per ABB standards.

Your main responsibilities

• Lead the global R&D organisation. You will lead the R&D teams for excitation, synchronization, hydropower and emerging applications such as hydrogen electrolysis rectifiers. This includes line management of team leads and coordination of external partners and the Hydro Execution Centers.
• Turn product strategy into technology. You will translate the product roadmap, defined with Product Management, into technology roadmaps, development plans and investment proposals. Your work will cover products, systems and digital offerings.
• Deliver the R&D portfolio. You will balance resources, budget, quality and time-to-market through structured gate processes and clear performance indicators.
• Drive platform renewal and Life cycle management: Own the technical product lifecycle from development to end-of-life, balancing next-generation innovation with obsolescence management, installed-base support and practical migration paths.
• Ensure designs are  secure and compliant: Ensure applicable regulatory, cybersecurity and product-standard compliance, including CE requirements, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, IEC 62443, grid codes and relevant excitation standards.
• Build capability and footprint: You will develop engineering talent and succession plans, and optimize the global R&D footprint and make-or-buy decisions. You will also promote reusable platforms and manage technology risks and intellectual property.

Your qualifications

• 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, synchronization, 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, with the ability to align stakeholders without direct authority and communicate clearly across technical and management audiences; 
  Fluent English is needed, German language is an advantage.

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.