(Senior) Scientist (m/f/d) – Industrial Perception AI (80 – 100%)

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

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The work model for the role is: hybrid

Key responsibilities

At the ABB Corporate Research Center Germany (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd4BLrNbvlc), we research and prototype innovative technologies that shape ABB’s future product portfolio for sustainable automation, digitalization, and electrification. We work in cross-functional teams at the intersection of industrial research, end-customers, start-ups, and universities globally.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• You bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications and drive the innovation in AI-powered perception, automation, and industrial digitalization to contribute to future ABB solutions.
• You scout, tailor, combine, extend or adapt cutting-edge technologies in perception AI, computer vision, agentic AI and multimodal foundation models to real-world industrial challenges.
• You devise new design methods and software tools for automation systems, enabling interoperability across tools, platforms and lifecycle stages.
• You conceptualize solutions and build proof-of-concepts and prototypes that convince internal stakeholders to commercialize your research results.
• You drive applied-research projects collaborating with global ABB product teams, technology partners, and leading academic institutions, gaining exposure to real-world deployment challenges and opportunities.
• You work in interdisciplinary and international project teams to research next-generation industrial AI technology for future ABB offerings.
• You present your work to expert and management audiences within and outside ABB, as well as at scientific conferences/journals and trade fairs.
• You secure intellectual property by patent applications.
• You strongly develop your technical and soft skills to boost your career at ABB.

Qualifications for the role

• You hold a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field, combined with either academic experience (PhD) or strong professional experience in perception AI or computer vision.
• You have deep expertise in perception AI and computer vision, including areas such as 2D/3D object detection, segmentation, scene understanding, sensor fusion, or visual reasoning. You are fluent with modern computer vision stacks (PyTorch, YOLO, SAM).
• Experience with foundation models like Vision Language Models, World Model, or agentic AI systems is highly valued.
• Experience with real-world interaction, such as robot perception, manipulation, or human-robot interaction, is a plus.
• Familiarity deploying models in edge or resource-constrained environments, integration into automation systems, or working with real-world industrial datasets is beneficial.
• Proficient English skill is mandatory, additional German skill is beneficial.

• We value cross-cultural communication skills, creativity, initiative, enthusiasm, and result-orientation to bring your innovations towards new products and digital offerings.

What we offer

• Great colleagues with deep technical expertise in various areas such as data science, AI, software architecture, and cyber security.
• The chance to shape the forefront of research in topics such as AI, electrification and sustainability.
• Flexible and family-friendly work environment with great AI research infrastructure.
• Empowered, diverse and international working culture.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Excellent technical, personal and managerial development opportunities and various career opportunities.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan
• Canteen
• Flexible Work Practices
• Employee Share Acquisition Plan

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

Would you like to receive further information?

Please contact Dr. Ruomu Tan: ruomu.tan@de.abb.com

ABB AG

+49 (0) 621 381 3500

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.