Head of Department - Digitalization, Industrial AI & Software R&D

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 Global Unit Lead

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The work model for the role is: onsite/#LI-Onsite

Your role and responsibilities

We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to head the Department "Digitalization & Software Technologies" at ABB Corporate Research Germany.

You will join the DECRC Management Team and play a key role in shaping the AI transformation within Research and defining and executing our software and digitalization research strategy.

As Department Manager, you will lead an interdisciplinary international organization of research teams working at the intersection of automation, software, and industrial digitalization.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Industrial Artificial Intelligence
• Software Architecture and Software Engineering
• Cyber Security
• Connected Products and Systems
• Automation Technologies and Digital Twins
• People leadership: Hire, coach, and develop diverse teams of scientists. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Strategy development: Drive the department's strategy in alignment with ABB's technology and business priorities.
• Global networking: Build and maintain strong relationships with public research institutions, universities, and industrial partners.
• Project- and portfolio management: oversee a complex portfolio of research projects and shape portfolio directions. Ensure efficient project execution, high-quality results, and successful transfer to ABB’s business units, intellectual property as well as high-ranked academic publications.
• Competence development: Drive the strategic evolution of the department’s research focus and support competence development, succession planning and talent growth.
• Innovation culture: Promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration and inclusion.
• Management: Contribute actively to the DECRC Management Team and the global ABB Research community. Ensure compliance with ABB standards regarding safety, quality and research processes.

Qualifications for the role

• You hold an above-average degree in a STEM discipline complemented by a PhD or equivalent professional experience in automation, control/software engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, AI, physics or related fields. You are an established technology leader with a passion for innovation and people development.

• Proven leadership experience in R&D organizations

• Strong track record in industrial research and technology development

• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfolios

• Deep understanding of digital transformation technologies

• Experience in collaborating with business units, customers and academic partners

• Fluent English language skills, German language skills (level B2/C1)

Benefits

• ABB Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
• Learning & training opportunities
• ABB Children's Holiday Home
• Personal coaching offers

Please note: in the case of equal suitability, people with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference.

ABB AG

+49 (0) 621 381 3500

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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.