R&D Team Leader

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 Local Unit Lead

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At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here plays a part.

You’re empowered to succeed, encouraged to grow, and the work you do helps run what runs the world.

This Position reports to:

(Global) R&D/Technology Manager

This position is classified under Global Grade:

Grade 11 

Your role and responsibilities

As R&D Manager, you will establish, lead, coach, and develop two new teams with mixed competencies, including selecting and hiring the team members who will help drive innovation and support the development of ABB’s next generation of DCS solutions.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to build two R&D teams from the ground up, define the required competencies, select and hire team members, and support them in achieving agreed R&D targets. Each day, you will coach and develop the teams. You will also leverage your expertise to support the management of technologies, platforms, and intellectual property.

You will be part of the Control Safety area within ABB’s global DCS organization and collaborate closely with teams across R&D, product development, and global business lines.

Based in Hangzhou, you will work in a global environment where reliability, safety, and innovation are at the core of everything we do.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Establishing two new R&D teams, including defining team composition, selecting and hiring team members, allocating work, developing skills, and supporting salary setting.
• Developing and securing the future competencies needed for next-generation products and systems.
• Supporting the organization in ongoing change initiatives—not necessarily driving the change, but enabling and strengthening it through strong leadership and collaboration.
• Ensuring the team remains receptive to the broader organization and aligned with ABB’s long‑term technology roadmap.

Qualifications for the role

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software development or the equivalent and have  a strong technical background.
• You bring solid leadership experience, preferably as a line manager in a global organization.
• You have extensive experience in R&D and product development, ideally within a technology-driven environment.
• You possess strong communication skills and enjoy working with people — coaching, developing, and growing teams is a natural part of your leadership style.
• You are innovative, collaborative, and comfortable navigating a dynamic environment with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in industrial automation and functional safety development is an asset.
• You communicate fluently in Chinese and English.

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.