R&D Associate 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 Lab Team Lead
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Your Role and Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact. Join our R&D Centre of Excellence (lab organization) based in Napier and you’ll get to shape the future of energy. Our products range from Power Protection (UPS) to Battery Energy Storage to Static Frequency Converters, with power ranges from 300kW to 3600kW. Our team was proud to be named Exporter of the Year at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards and to receive the Ziwi Excellence in Innovation Award, recognizing our commitment to innovation and global impact.
We are looking for a range of skills from qualified engineers to industrial electricians to technicians who want to contribute to the future of energy.
Work model: Onsite #LI-Onsite
Define product test requirements and conduct electrical/electronics testing, including high power systems.
Prototype and develop hardware test rigs, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Apply reliability engineering principles and international standards (CE & UL) to product testing.
Automate testing processes and provide clear, high-quality reports to support product development.
Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters – because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.
Qualifications for the Role
Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent qualification (e.g., industrial electrician, technician diploma, trade certification)
Previous exposure to and experience with 3‑phase systems
Experience with products such as UPS, energy storage systems, variable speed drives, or PLCs
Knowledge of international product safety standards (CE & UL) and reliability engineering practices
Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in a laboratory environment
Familiarity with electrical/electronic test equipment and report writing
Mindset to innovate, take ownership, and drive continuous improvement
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.
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.