R&D Manager

Lead the North American R&D agenda for large‑frame NEMA and North American standard compliant motors and generators, turning market needs into manufacturable, cost‑effective products customers trust. Manage U.S. team and coordinate with global engineering hubs, owning roadmap execution and standards certification from concept through to productization.

The work model for the role is: Onsite in Greenville, SC. This role supports the Motion High Power Division.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Set the technology strategy & roadmap (3–5 years): Build and align North America’s product/technology roadmap with global strategy; translate into clear release plans and business outcomes.
• Own the project portfolio & execution: Prioritize programs, allocate resources, and drive on‑time/on‑budget delivery; improve development processes, tools, and quality standards to increase throughput and first‑time‑right results.
• Lead certification & compliance (UL & CSA): Define strategy, manage listings and test plans, interface with certification bodies, and control engineering changes to maintain compliance for NA products.
• Provide senior technical leadership: Guide design guidelines, documentation, and complex problem‑solving in rotating machinery; act as the technical escalation point for internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner across the business: Convert voice‑of‑customer and North American market requirements into engineering targets; collaborate with Product Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sales; represent the company in relevant technical bodies and with universities.
• Build and develop teams (US + global sites): Define structure, roles, and competencies; coach and grow engineering talent; foster a culture of safety, integrity, and innovation across time zones.
• Manage budget, risk & IP: Own yearly & multi‑year R&D budgets and KPI reporting; identify and mitigate technical/program risks; support protection of newly created IP.

Our Team Dynamics

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:

• BS in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or related; 10+ years in rotating electrical machines and 5+ years managing or leading engineering teams.
• Required experience in designing large motors, including but not limited to induction motors, high speed and low speed synchronous motors, generators, etc.
• Track record delivering compliant products; hands‑on ownership of certification, audits, and sustaining changes.
• Strong portfolio/program management and process improvement; Lean/Six Sigma exposure preferred.
• Excellent communication, influence, and collaboration across functions and regions.
• Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.

Preferred Qualifications for the role:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience managing global direct and indirect engineering reports.
• In-depth knowledge of electro-mechanical motor theory.
• Previous experience writing and presenting white/papers or technical demonstrations at related trade shows and events.

More about us

We are global market leader in mission-critical high-power, high-performance motors, drives, generators, power conversion and packaged solutions. Every day, we make a difference for our customers by making their operations profitable, safe, and reliable.

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 expressio