Traction Service Engineer

At ABB, we help industries become faster, more resource-efficient, and sustainable. Progress is a given - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we provide you with the right conditions to succeed. This position reports to: Operations Manager, Motion Service.

Your role and responsibilities:

• As a Field Service Engineer specializing in traction systems, you will support ABB’s traction systems for rail and rolling stock applications.
• Your primary responsibility will be to deliver expert on-site service activities, including installation, commissioning, preventive and corrective maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of traction converters and associated power electronics.
• You will plan and execute service tasks with a first-time-right approach, demonstrating technical excellence, a strong sense of urgency, and customer care.
• The work model for the role is: Hybrid.
• This role contributes to the Traction product group within ABB’s Motion business area in the UK region.
• Main stakeholders include rail operators, rolling-stock manufacturers (OEMs), ABB’s regional service teams, and internal engineering and supply chain functions.
• Display a clear sense of urgency and care in your area of responsibility and effectively communicate this to customers.
• Execute service work in compliance with ABB quality and safety standards.
• Work closely with customers to identify opportunities to improve operations, address additional concerns, and report these opportunities to the account team through local business processes.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot traction converters, IGBT-based drives, and medium-voltage systems (up to 4kV).
• Recognize technical problems and analyse them through customer communication and remote connections to assets for a defined range of services and products.
• Commission new traction converters and energy storage systems.
• Prepare spare parts lists and ensure material readiness for service activities.
• Perform fault analysis and root-cause investigations to prevent recurrence.
• Take proactive actions to identify new service business opportunities for ABB in close cooperation with customers and internal teams.
• Provide technical training and mentoring to customers and junior technicians.
• Create service reports, technical documentation, and training materials to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Our Team Dynamics:

You will join a dynamic, skilled, and customer-focused team within ABB Traction, where collaboration and technical excellence drive everything we do. Our team thrives on solving complex challenges in rail and mobility, ensuring reliable and sustainable traction solutions. This environment will allow you to grow professionally, share knowledge, and make a real impact on modern transportation.

Qualifications for the role:

• You are immersed in and highly skilled in traction systems, power electronics, and service methodologies, and you enjoy working with advanced diagnostic tools and technologies in the rail industry.
• Ability to demonstrate your experience with field service engineering, showcasing established and advanced skills in troubleshooting and commissioning systems.
• You have 3+ years of experience in field service engineering, preferably in traction or power electronics.
• Possess enhanced knowledge of and familiarity with diagnostic tools and software (MATLAB/Simulink is advantageous).
• You are passionate about problem-solving, customer engagement, and continuous improvement, and innovative in applying safety and quality standards.
• Strong communication and customer service skills; you are at ease communicating in English (additional languages are an advantage).
• Ability to work independently with a structured and safety-conscious approach.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work on-site.
• You hold current licenses or certifications valid in the UK and comply with country-specific work permit requirements.

You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge traction technology, contribute to sustainable rail solutions, grow professionally through ABB’s global training programs, and enjoy a competitive benefits package while making a real impact in the transportation industry.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits scheme (includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more)
• Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous employee referral scheme

More About Us:

ABB Traction is part of the Motion business area, delivering reliable and energy-efficient solutions—such as propulsion converters, traction motors, auxiliary converters, batteries, and digital services—for rail, off-highway, and marine applications. Our adaptable portfolio supports operators in transitioning to cleaner, more efficient mobility, with tailored systems that maximize energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure long-term reliability throughout the full asset lifecycle.