R&D Engineer - MV Switchgear (Mebane, North Carolina)

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 Department/Local Unit Lead

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Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will identify and implement innovative solutions to relevant problems. 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.

The work model for the role is: #LI-onsite

This role is contributing to the Electrification Distribution Solutions in Mebane, NC.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Support the development of new product designs of non-arc and arc resistant medium-voltage switchgear (Metal-Enclosed, Metal-Clad). 

• Engage in cost optimization initiatives and design enhancements to maintain technology leadership in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Project Managers, and R&D Engineers throughout the product development lifecycle to ensure customer feedback is incorporated into design solutions. 

• Validate product robustness through simulations, analytical methods, and physical testing. 

• Organize and conduct design reviews, evaluating concepts for technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness. 

• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation including instruction manuals, project records, and design/test reports to ensure product performance and compliance. 

• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams for supplier selection and component evaluation.

Qualifications for the role

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred). 

• Minimum 2 years of R&D experience in the electrical power equipment industry required. 

• Experience in the mechanical design of Low or Medium Voltage ANSI switchgear, Motor Control Centers, or similar complex electrical/mechanical equipment. 

• Working knowledge of simulation software (Dielectric, thermal, structural) desired. 

• Proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM tools—SolidWorks or Creo with Windchill preferred.

• Knowledge of relevant industry standards. (ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, and UL.) 

• Experience supporting type tests at internal and external laboratories. 

• Travel up to 10%, both domestically and internationally. 

• Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US. 

What's in it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

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 View phone number on apply.placed-app.com.

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 View phone number on apply.placed-app.com or by sending an email to View email address on apply.placed-app.com . Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Onsite

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

• Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks

• 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.

More about us

ABB's Distribution Solutions Division facilitates the efficient and reliable distribution, protection and control of power by improving electric power quality while strengthening the resilience of the grid. The Division offers segment-specific products and solutions that largely serve utilities, industry and infrastructure segments, often providing the requisite medium voltage link between high-voltage transmission systems and low-voltage users. With ABB Ability™ enabled connected solutions at its core, the offering includes medium-voltage air- and gas-insulated switchgear (1 to 66 kilovolts), indoor and outdoor circuit breakers, reclosers, fuses, contactors, relays, instrument transformers, sensors, motor control centers, as well as low-voltage switchgear for the ANSI standard markets.

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

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 to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.