Senior Power Systems Engineer

About the Role

At ABB, you will empower industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably. As a Senior Power Systems Engineer located in Napier, New Zealand, you will be instrumental in advancing our technologies, products, and solutions that make a global impact. Reporting to the Chapter Lead (ELSP Pilot), you will serve as a key technical expert within Research & Development, troubleshooting, and engineering support. Your expertise will help shape the innovation roadmap for our critical power product group.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed functional, performance, and safety testing on UPS, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Active Voltage Conditioners, and Static Frequency Converters, ensuring adherence to IEC and UL standards.
• Participate in the design, analysis, and verification of low- and medium-voltage power conditioning and energy management systems, including protection schemes, electrical calculations, power quality, energy storage integration, and magnetic component evaluations.
• Create and maintain technical documentation such as test procedures, commissioning guides, user manuals, as-built drawings, and interface specifications for switchgear and batteries; develop thorough inspection and testing plans for all power systems.
• Lead commissioning activities on customer sites, encompassing pre-commissioning inspections, power-up processes, functional checks, performance tuning, and troubleshooting across various product lines.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical faults, power quality challenges, and system performance issues; formulate improvement plans and provide expert technical advice to support customer applications.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of ABB's power conditioning portfolio—including HiPerGuard, BESS, AVC, and SureWave SFC—and remain updated on industry trends in power and energy management technology.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in designing and maintaining power electronic systems within specialized engineering teams, with capability to manage projects and mentor junior staff.
• Strong grasp of three-phase systems and power electronics principles; familiarity with grid-connected applications, active/reactive power flows, power quality conditioners, and energy storage systems is highly beneficial.
• Experience using AutoCAD and circuit simulation tools such as PSCAD and Matlab/Simulink is advantageous.
• Knowledge of control methods and effective communication skills to collaborate with control engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance.
• Demonstrated aptitude for innovative problem-solving and technical creativity in complex R&D assignments.
• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Power Electronics Engineering is required; advanced qualifications are preferred.
• Excellent communication skills in English, with a proven track record working across diverse technical teams and multiple locations.

Additional Information

ABB Smart Power delivers energy distribution solutions for critical infrastructure including data centers and industrial plants, supporting energy transition and sustainability goals. Our product portfolio includes circuit breakers, motor starters, safety devices, and high-efficiency UPS systems. ABB Ability™ Energy Manager enhances energy savings and carbon footprint reduction.

We value creativity, courage, and curiosity in our team members and invite applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.