R&D Engineer (PhD Student)

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This position reports to: Technology Manager

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Your Role And Responsibilities We are now looking for an R&D Engineer to join our team at High Power Motors & Generators division in Helsinki, Finland. In this role, you will work as a PhD student for a predefined project and as a part of our Research & Development (R&D) team. As a PhD student, you will pursue your doctoral thesis at Aalto University’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, the Research Group of Electromechanics. This is an excellent opportunity for a freshly graduated M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering to complete their PhD funded by industry. In this R&D Engineer role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will identify and implement innovative solutions to relevant problems. This is a fixed-term role until spring 2030. The role requires physical presence in Helsinki, Finland.

The position is within a project focused on integrating recyclability into the design of permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) rotors through multi-material topology optimization. The research addresses the reduction of heavy rare-earth elements in NdFeB magnets, and the development of magnet encapsulation methods for safe disassembly and reuse. The project also includes prototyping, experimental validation, and a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost analysis (LCC).

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Working as an independent and reliable contributor in your PhD project with supervision
• Performing various tasks in the assigned project (e.g., electrical machines, software), from building concepts, gathering requirements to designing, implementing, integrating, testing
• Publishing research results in high-impact journals and completing doctoral coursework as required by Aalto University

Our team dynamics You will join our Design and Method Development team, where you will be able to advance your project with the support of your supervisor and the whole team.

Qualifications For The Role

• In order to be selected, you must be qualified for doctoral studies at Aalto University (more information available at Aalto’s website: Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering)
• Completion of your Master of Science of Electrical Engineer with grades qualifying for doctoral studies
• You have a solid background in electromagnetic design and analysis of rotating machines, especially PMSMs
• You are familiar with numerical methods for finite element simulations
• You are interested in programming and have good knowledge of a relevant programming language (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)
• You are highly motivated to pursue doctoral research in electrical machines at ABB and at Aalto University
• You are at ease communicating in English at an advanced academic level
• Familiarity with topology optimization or structural optimization methods is an advantage
• You hold current VISA/work permit to work in Finland/EU

What's in it for you? A funded fixed term doctoral position with ABB employment, while receiving support and contacts from both the industry and university.

Benefits Our culture and benefits reflect our values: courage, care, curiosity and collaboration. The most appreciated benefits according to our personnel are at the moment, e.g. an annual performance bonus, employee share acquisition program, continuous learning opportunities, and other wellbeing and family benefits.

More About Us The Large Motors and Generators Division offers a comprehensive product portfolio of large AC motors and generators. The Division’s induction, synchronous and special design motors and synchronous generators power critical applications across industry, infrastructure and marine transportation. Combining the best available materials with superior technology, the large motors and generators are designed to operate efficiently and reliably, even for challenging processes or applications and to have low life cycle costs.

If you have questions, please contact Technology Manager Jan Westerlund, tel. +358 50 3323795. Apply for the position by October 18th, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application.

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.