Senior R&D Engineer - Tech Development & Management

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.  By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

Technology Development Manager

 

I. PURPOSE

- Provide dual-track technical development discipline for Robotics Application within GSC Electronics R&D, combining deep technical expertise with hands-on R&D project management capabilities.

- Participate the technology roadmap definition and drive the Stage-Gate model R&D programs, mentor next-generation engineers, and deliver modular and standardized solutions to Global Electronics customers through rigorous pilot project execution.

II. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Technical Development (50%)

- Design, develop, and deploy production-ready robotic systems for Electronics manufacturing (high-accuracy assembly, sanding, dispensing, inspection, etc.)

- Leverage 2D/3D vision, adaptive force control, AI, and digital simulation to raise throughput, yield, and cost-efficiency

- Lead Root Cause Analysis using data-driven methods and state-of-the-art tools, driving issues to closure

- Author and deliver management-ready reports, specifications, and Stage-Gate technical deliverables to stakeholders and pilot customers

R&D Project Management (50%)

- Lead or support Stage-Gate process execution: charter development, gate reviews, risk/dependency management, and go/no-go decision preparation

- Drive cross-functional project execution across mechanical, controls, software, and quality teams—ensuring on-time, on-budget, on-quality delivery

- Establish and optimize R&D workflows: TRL assessment, milestone planning, resource allocation, and project KPI tracking

- Manage project risks and escalations: proactively identify bottlenecks, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate status to senior leadership

- Mentor team members on both technical excellence and project management discipline

Customer & Business Engagement

- Travel to customer sites as required (estimated <30%) to lead pilot-project rollout, technical training, and product-level support

- Partner with portfolio and commercial teams to translate customer requirements into scoped, stage-gated project plans

III. REQUIREMENTS

Technical Expertise

- M.S./Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related field + ≥ 5 years in cutting-edge industrial automation

- Track record of shipping vision/force/AI empowered robotic cells into high-volume manufacturing (Electronics, EV, Semiconductor)

- Hands-on ownership of technology roadmaps, TRL assessments, and stage-gate processes from concept to factory floor

- Practical expertise in at least two modern vision, AI and Robotics stacks (OpenCV, PCL, PyTorch, ROS/ROS2, etc.) preferred

- Expert-level C# or Python coding, and web-development is a plus

- Experience with synthetic data pipelines, factory digital twins, or virtual commissioning (e.g., NVIDIA, Siemens, Beckhoff) preferred

Project Management & Process Excellence

- Demonstrated experience with Stage-Gate model product development processes

- Formal project management certification preferred (PMP or equivalent)

- Six-Sigma Black Belt or formal RCA certification preferred

- Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams (≥3 engineers) through complex, multi-phase R&D programs

- Strong skills in project planning, resource forecasting, timeline management, and stakeholder communication

Leadership & Communication

- Demonstrated management experience of a project team delivering on time and within budget

- Exceptional communication skills with proven ability to engage effectively across cultures with key customers and cross-functional teams

- Comfortable presenting to management audiences and driving alignment in matrixed organizations

- International study or work experience preferred

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.