R D Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
R&D Engineer roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions in the U.S., with employers regularly filing H-1B visa and O-1 petitions for candidates with specialized engineering or science degrees. Most openings require at least a bachelor's in a relevant technical field. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt 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 Department/Local Unit Lead
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Electrification Distribution Solutions (ELDS) are a global leader in power distribution solutions, delivering pioneering low and medium-voltage innovations and services. We care about your tomorrow, providing solutions for a smarter, safer, environmentally friendly, and more reliable flow and distribution of electricity.
As R&D Design Engineer, you will work on ABB’s leading Low Voltage technology platforms, including Switchgear, Motor Control Center and Busway, developing new products that address critical market demands and meeting requirements, fully compliant with relevant ANSI - IEEE, NEMA & UL standards. As an integral member of our R&D team, you’ll enjoy an open and innovative culture with clear technology vision and strategy. This position will work with cross-functional teams and is responsible for concept development, technical analysis, electrical testing, detailed design and documentation release within Creo and Windchill systems. This position supports the development of products to meet customer needs in a fast paced, multiple project environment.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop 3D modeling new product designs, identify cost reductions, and make design modifications of ANSI Low Voltage Motor Control Center & Switchgear.
- Work closely with Product Managers, Project Managers and leadership team throughout the product development life cycle in a highly collaborative team environment.
- Document product robustness using simulations, analysis and testing methods.
- Develop test samples according to test plan and evaluate test results with technical experts and overseeing agency representatives.
- Facilitate cross-functional design reviews, analyze concepts, and evaluate cost effectiveness of the component/assembly designs.
- Prepare and maintain product documentation, instruction manuals, project documentation, and design & test documentation.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's degree in engineering required, (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred) with a minimum of 1+ years of experience in product development and design of related electrical equipment, preferably with electrical power distribution equipment such as power protection, motor controllers, switchgears, busways, etc.
- Strong CAD 3D software modeling experience is required; prefer direct design experience using ProE/Creo and PTC Windchill in a product research and development environment.
- Must have strong analytical skills with a solutions-oriented, engineering problem solving mindset.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-site/multi-country project team environment, as well as working independently to support and deliver effective solutions for assigned engineering projects required.
- Simulations for dielectric, static or dynamic forces.
- Experience with Agile method of work planning preferred.
- Type Testing knowledge at independent labs.
- Knowledge of circuit breaker design, instrument transformer and operation principles of protection in electrical power systems is desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must have ability to travel domestically and internationally – estimated up to 20%.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that allows them to work for ABB in United States.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
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
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
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. #LI-Onsite
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).
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay).
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums.
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid.
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance).
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption.
- Employee discount program.
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions.
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP).
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
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.
We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
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.
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 Department/Local Unit Lead
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Electrification Distribution Solutions (ELDS) are a global leader in power distribution solutions, delivering pioneering low and medium-voltage innovations and services. We care about your tomorrow, providing solutions for a smarter, safer, environmentally friendly, and more reliable flow and distribution of electricity.
As R&D Design Engineer, you will work on ABB’s leading Low Voltage technology platforms, including Switchgear, Motor Control Center and Busway, developing new products that address critical market demands and meeting requirements, fully compliant with relevant ANSI - IEEE, NEMA & UL standards. As an integral member of our R&D team, you’ll enjoy an open and innovative culture with clear technology vision and strategy. This position will work with cross-functional teams and is responsible for concept development, technical analysis, electrical testing, detailed design and documentation release within Creo and Windchill systems. This position supports the development of products to meet customer needs in a fast paced, multiple project environment.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop 3D modeling new product designs, identify cost reductions, and make design modifications of ANSI Low Voltage Motor Control Center & Switchgear.
- Work closely with Product Managers, Project Managers and leadership team throughout the product development life cycle in a highly collaborative team environment.
- Document product robustness using simulations, analysis and testing methods.
- Develop test samples according to test plan and evaluate test results with technical experts and overseeing agency representatives.
- Facilitate cross-functional design reviews, analyze concepts, and evaluate cost effectiveness of the component/assembly designs.
- Prepare and maintain product documentation, instruction manuals, project documentation, and design & test documentation.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's degree in engineering required, (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred) with a minimum of 1+ years of experience in product development and design of related electrical equipment, preferably with electrical power distribution equipment such as power protection, motor controllers, switchgears, busways, etc.
- Strong CAD 3D software modeling experience is required; prefer direct design experience using ProE/Creo and PTC Windchill in a product research and development environment.
- Must have strong analytical skills with a solutions-oriented, engineering problem solving mindset.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-site/multi-country project team environment, as well as working independently to support and deliver effective solutions for assigned engineering projects required.
- Simulations for dielectric, static or dynamic forces.
- Experience with Agile method of work planning preferred.
- Type Testing knowledge at independent labs.
- Knowledge of circuit breaker design, instrument transformer and operation principles of protection in electrical power systems is desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must have ability to travel domestically and internationally – estimated up to 20%.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that allows them to work for ABB in United States.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
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
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
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. #LI-Onsite
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).
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay).
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums.
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid.
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance).
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption.
- Employee discount program.
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions.
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP).
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
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.
We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
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.
See all 447+ R D Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new R D Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a R D Engineer
Target companies with active R&D budgets
Large technology, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and defense firms run dedicated R&D departments and sponsor visas regularly. These employers have established immigration infrastructure, making the sponsorship process faster and more predictable than smaller companies.
Align your degree field to the role
H-1B specialty occupation requires your degree to match the specific engineering or science discipline the job demands. A mechanical engineering degree supporting a materials R&D role is clean. A business degree for the same role creates avoidable USCIS scrutiny.
Understand the H-1B lottery timeline
H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start date. If you need sponsorship by a specific date, work backward from there. Some R&D employers use cap-exempt institutions like universities and nonprofit research labs to avoid the lottery entirely.
Ask about cap-exempt employer options
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated research labs are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning they can hire you any time of year without lottery risk. Many R&D Engineers build their U.S. careers this way before moving to private industry.
Highlight specialized technical skills in applications
Niche expertise in areas like semiconductor fabrication, biomedical device development, or advanced materials gives employers stronger grounds for sponsorship. Generalist profiles are harder to sponsor. The more specialized your skill set, the clearer the specialty occupation case.
R D Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find R D Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do R&D Engineer roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. R&D Engineer positions are well-established specialty occupations under USCIS criteria because they routinely require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific engineering or scientific discipline. Roles in fields like electrical, chemical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering have strong approval histories. Employers must demonstrate the role requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge, which most R&D positions satisfy clearly.
What degree do I need for an R&D Engineer visa sponsorship?
Most H-1B petitions for R&D Engineer roles require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, such as electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or physics. The degree field must logically connect to the specific research the role involves. A master's or Ph.D. strengthens the case considerably and is often expected for senior R&D positions at research-intensive employers.
Can R&D Engineers use the O-1 visa instead of H-1B?
Yes, and it's worth considering seriously. The O-1A visa for extraordinary ability has no annual cap and no lottery, making it accessible year-round. R&D Engineers with patents, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, significant research grants, or membership in selective professional organizations often meet the criteria. The evidentiary bar is high, but candidates with a strong research record are well-positioned to qualify.
Which types of employers sponsor R&D Engineer visas most often?
Large technology companies, pharmaceutical and biotech firms, aerospace and defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, and automotive OEMs are the most active sponsors. National laboratories and university research departments are also strong options since they're H-1B cap-exempt. To find employers currently hiring sponsored R&D Engineers, browse Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-sponsoring companies.
Does a 3-year bachelor's degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship as an R&D Engineer?
It depends on the country and how USCIS evaluates equivalency. A three-year bachelor's from an Australian or Indian university may be accepted as equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree, but USCIS makes this determination case by case. A credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization is strongly recommended. Some employers require their immigration attorneys to confirm equivalency before proceeding with the petition.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored R D Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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