(Senior) Research Scientist (f/m/d) – Control & Optimization for Industrial Grid Applications (80-100%)

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: Hybrid. #LI-Hybrid

About the role

Are you passionate about shaping the future of resilient, intelligent, and sustainable energy systems?
ABB Research is looking for a highly motivated scientist/engineer with expertise in microgrids, grid stability, control, and protection, and interfacing industrial energy systems with energy markets.

In this role, you will join an international team of passionate researchers working at the interface of applied research and product development. You will help develop the next generation of ABB electrification and automation solutions, turning advanced concepts into practical software, prototypes, and demonstrators that support the energy transition and create real customer value.

Your role and responsibilities:

• You develop advanced algorithms for the analysis, control, protection, and optimization of industrial grids and microgrids

• You validate concepts through simulation, software prototypes, and demonstrators.

• You integrate these solutions with higher-level control systems and external interfaces, such as site control systems or energy market platforms.

• You gather domain requirements, translate them into use cases and solutions, and address them in international, multidisciplinary research projects.

• You initiate, lead, and contribute to research activities with high business relevance for ABB.

• You communicate complex technical results clearly to expert audiences, project partners, and senior management.

• You publish results at scientific conferences, contribute to intellectual property creation, and represent ABB in relevant committees.

• You build and strengthen strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, and other partners, for example in publicly funded projects.

• You develop innovative solutions and use your expertise to protect them.

You will work across the full innovation chain — from problem definition, data analysis, and modelling to simulation, algorithm development, software implementation, and project execution. Your work will enable new ways of operating, controlling, protecting, and optimizing industrial energy systems and microgrids.

Qualifications for the role

• You hold a PhD in electrical engineering, control engineering, power systems, computer science, or a related field or an MSc with relevant professional experience and a strong track record.

• You bring deep expertise in one or more of the following areas: microgrids, grid stability, ac/dc grids, energy distribution, grid protection, control design, or energy markets.

• You have hands-on experience in software development and implementation of efficient, reliable solutions.

• You have experience with power system simulation tools for modelling, analyzing, and validating grid and microgrid behavior.

• You demonstrate excellent programming skills in Python, C#, C++, Julia, or similar languages, and you have solid knowledge of object-oriented software design.

• You combine analytical thinking with the practical ability to bridge research and industrial applications.

• You bring excellent communication and networking skills, with the ability to work effectively in international and cross-cultural environments.

• You are fluent in English, written and spoken.

Benefits

• Flexible work practices

• Career development and training opportunities, on and off the job

• In-house canteen

• Employee Share Acquisition Plan

• Mobility benefits, such as JobRad

• Retirement plan

Please note: in the case of equal suitability, people with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference.

ABB AG

+49 (0) 621 381 3500

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.