R&D Center Lead - Materials Development (80-100%)

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:

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Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the cross-regional Materials Development competency and make materials technology a source of product performance, compliance, sustainability, cost competitiveness and innovation. The role owns material technology platforms, qualification and risk governance, supplier collaboration and materials roadmaps, and manages the Materials Laboratory in Uster, including its pathway toward recognized accreditation for selected methods.

The work model for the role is: hybrid

This role is contributing to the ELIP. Main stakeholders are R&D leadership, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain Management.

You will be mainly accountable for

• Lead the cross-regional Materials Development competency, defining technology strategy across polymers, elastomers, metals, alloys and coatings.
• Develop and manage the Materials Laboratory in Uster, ensuring safe operations, technical excellence and future accreditation capabilities.
• Drive material innovation, sustainability and compliance, including new materials, qualifications, failure analysis and risk management.
• Support the delivery of new products by ensuring material solutions meet performance, quality, certification, timing and cost requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, building competencies, succession plans and cross-regional collaboration.
• Build strong partnerships with Product Management, Operations, suppliers, universities and research organizations to accelerate innovation and growth.

Qualifications for the role

• 10+ years of experience in materials development, qualification or testing in industrial products
• Strong knowledge of polymers, elastomers, thermoplastics, metals, alloys and coatings
• Experience in material testing, failure analysis and compliance (REACH/RoHS)
• Proven experience leading technical teams and cross-functional projects
• Experience in laboratory environments and quality management
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry or related field
• Fluent German and English

More about us

ABB Installation Products Division (formerly Thomas&Betts), helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and people around the world. The Commercial Essentials product segment includes electrical junction boxes, commercial fittings, strut and cable tray metal framing systems for commercial and residential construction. The Premier Industrial product segment includes multiple product lines, such as Ty-Rap® cable ties, T&B Liquidtight Systems® protection products, PVC coated and nylon conduit systems, power connection and grounding systems, and cable protection systems of conduits and fittings for harsh and industrial applications. The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market under its marquee brands including Elastimold™ reclosers and switchgear, capacitor switches, current limiting fuses, Homac™ distribution connectors, Hi-Tech Valiant™ full-range current limiting fuse for fire mitigation, faulted current indicators and distribution connectors, cable accessories and apparatus with products for overhead and underground distribution. Manufacturing includes made-to-stock and custom-made solutions.

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.