R&D Power System Control Engineer
ABB · Richmond, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 9 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at ABB (industrial) in Richmond, VA. In this role as R&D Power System Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $97k–$143k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 19 controls engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 18 other live controls postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $97k–$143k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Automation 63%
- PLC 58%
- Team leadership 32%
- Root cause 26%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 26%
- Tooling 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at ABB
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: ABB in Richmond
5 other open roles at this site.
- Quality Control Engineer · Quality
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
- Electrical Quality Specialist (Engineer) · Quality
- Process Quality Specialist · Quality · Specialist
- Industrial Engineer · Industrial
Full description from ABBAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
responsibilities
In this role as R&D Power System Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will be involved in two main pillars areas Medium Voltage AC Power System Analysis and Model-Based Control System Development. You will also showcase your expertise by providing ideas and by being able to work both independently and as a part of a Research & Development (R&D) team.
for the role
- ◆Bachelor degree in Engineering (electrical preferred) or related field PLUS minimum 5 years in a manufacturing environment .
- ◆Proficient in MATLAB scripting and relevant toolboxes (Control System, Power Systems); Proficient in Simulink modelling and code generation
- ◆Able to implement traditional power system controls (PID, droop, AVR/PSS) and power electronic controls (resonant, predictive, cascaded loops)
- ◆Competent in continuous s-domain analysis (Bode, Nyquist, root locus, gain/phase margins); Competent in discrete z-domain analysis (discretization, pole-zero mapping, delay compensation)
- ◆Good communication skills in English, both oral and written. Other languages are an asset; Significant experience in working within complex organization
- ◆Willingness to travel occasionally to Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, region
- ◆Candidate must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in USA
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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 Team Lead
__
The work model for the role is: Onsite, Richmond, VA
You will be mainly accountable for
- •Control System Design & Development Analyze system requirements, develop control system models, and design, simulate, and optimize control systems using MATLAB/Simulink and other advanced engineering tools.
- •Control Architecture & Integration Specify, develop, and integrate hardware and software components for control systems, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and performance standards.
- •Testing, Validation & Troubleshooting Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable operation, safety compliance, and effective resolution of field issues and power system disturbances.
- •Power System & Converter Control Expertise Apply advanced knowledge of MV AC power systems, grid-connected power electronic converters (BESS, STATCOM, SFC, AVC), low-level converter controls (PWM, PLL, dq/αβ transformations), and high-level system architecture including stability studies, weak-grid interactions, and grid-forming/grid-following strategies.
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.
Why ABB?
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.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com . Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- •Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- •Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- •Vision benefit
- •Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- •Compan