Graduate R&D Software/Firmware Engineer

About the Role

ABB is looking for a graduate software and firmware engineer to join its Research and Development team in Napier, Hawke’s Bay. This position is based at the Global R&D Centre and reports to the Chapter Lead. The role is designed for someone eager to contribute ideas, work on meaningful engineering challenges, and help shape technology direction through practical innovation.

What You’ll Do

You will contribute to R&D initiatives by helping identify, suggest, and implement new technologies, software, and engineering solutions. The work involves collaborating with the R&D team, applying technical knowledge in a structured way, and staying current with emerging technologies and industry developments.

• Work onsite at ABB’s Global R&D Centre in Napier, Hawke’s Bay.
• Contribute reliably to research and development projects.
• Apply your technical expertise to solve problems within your area of competence.
• Support project objectives related to quality, schedule, scope, and cost, while identifying and escalating risks as needed.
• Carry out tasks aligned with ABB’s direction and the key drivers relevant to your domain.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have strong computer science fundamentals and practical experience across the full development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through design, implementation, testing, and documentation. You should be comfortable working with embedded systems, firmware, and modern development tools, and be motivated by collaboration and innovation.

• Strong programming capability in C, C++, Python, and Assembler.
• Hands-on experience in firmware development for embedded industrial products.
• Exposure to Embedded Linux platforms.
• Working knowledge of development tooling and workflows such as Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, Git, build systems, unit testing, debug probes, and oscilloscopes.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and industrial communication standards including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, IEC61850, Profibus, and CAN bus.
• Team-oriented approach with interest in contributing to innovative engineering work.
• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a similar discipline.

About ABB Smart Power

ABB Smart Power develops energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing facilities, critical infrastructure, and commercial buildings. Its technical teams work with industry partners to deliver advanced systems that support growth, the energy transition, and sustainability. The portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices such as switches and relays. The Power Protection unit supports major data center companies with energy-efficient UPS solutions, and ABB Ability™ Energy Manager helps organizations reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.

Why Join Us

ABB offers an environment where people are encouraged to take ownership, challenge ideas, keep learning, and grow with support aligned to their goals. The company values diverse perspectives and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Additional Information

This is a graduate-level opportunity with no salary details, vacancy count, or start date specified. Candidates should be prepared for onsite work in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.