R&D Power System Control Engineer

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

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The work model for the role is: Onsite, Richmond, VA

Your role and responsibilities

In this role as R&D Power System Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will be involved in two main pillars areas Medium Voltage AC Power System Analysis and Model-Based Control System Development. You will also showcase your expertise by providing ideas and by being able to work both independently and as a part of a Research & Development (R&D) team.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Control System Design & Development Analyze system requirements, develop control system models, and design, simulate, and optimize control systems using MATLAB/Simulink and other advanced engineering tools.
• Control Architecture & Integration Specify, develop, and integrate hardware and software components for control systems, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and performance standards.
• Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable operation, safety compliance, and effective resolution of field issues and power system disturbances.
• Power System & Converter Control Expertise Apply advanced knowledge of MV AC power systems, grid-connected power electronic converters (BESS, STATCOM, SFC, AVC), low-level converter controls (PWM, PLL, dq/αβ transformations), and high-level system architecture including stability studies, weak-grid interactions, and grid-forming/grid-following strategies.

Qualifications for the role

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (electrical preferred) or related field PLUS minimum 5 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in MATLAB scripting and relevant toolboxes (Control System, Power Systems); Proficient in Simulink modelling and code generation
• Able to implement traditional power system controls (PID, droop, AVR/PSS) and power electronic controls (resonant, predictive, cascaded loops)
• Competent in continuous s-domain analysis (Bode, Nyquist, root locus, gain/phase margins); Competent in discrete z-domain analysis (discretization, pole-zero mapping, delay compensation)
• Good communication skills in English, both oral and written. Other languages are an asset; Significant experience in working within complex organization
• Willingness to travel occasionally to Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, region
• Candidate must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in USA

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 Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

Why ABB?

What's in it for you

We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites:

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a 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 [email protected]. 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
• Paid Parental Leave
• 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)

Time off

ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.

While base salary is determined by things such as the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience, this position is expected to pay between $83,300 and $133,280 annually.

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