ABB (ASEA Brown Boveri) is a major global electrical engineering multinational with a rich history rooted in two pioneering companies from Sweden and Switzerland, merged in 1988. Today, ABB operates worldwide, specializing in electrification, industrial automation, robotics, and power technologies. Its international footprint, technology leadership, and expanding innovation make it a significant employer for skilled professionals, including those seeking visa sponsorship such as the H-1B and green cards in the United States.
Background of ABB
ABB was created through the 1988 merger of ASEA, founded in Sweden in 1883, and Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC), founded in Switzerland in 1891. Both were leading electrical engineering firms involved heavily in early power generation, transmission, and automation technologies. The merger formed a powerful global corporation headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, with significant operations in Sweden as well. ABB has historically held a Fortune Global 500 ranking and is listed on both the Nasdaq Nordic Exchange in Stockholm and the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.
Since its formation, ABB has grown through hundreds of acquisitions worldwide and has shifted its focus in recent years towards robotics, industrial automation, and electrification solutions to meet sustainability goals. The company is highly committed to innovation and environmental impact, recently launching a sustainability agenda to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives globally.
ABB’s Visa Sponsorships and Employment in the United States
In the U.S., ABB Inc., headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is an active sponsor of work visas, primarily the H-1B visa for specialty occupations and employment-based green cards. Over the past three years, ABB has filed 173 Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B visas and 36 labor certifications for green cards, showing its consistent need for skilled foreign professionals.
ABB ranks among visa sponsors in the range of 1,000 to 2,000, filing for a broad spectrum of technical roles. The most common H-1B sponsored positions include:
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Research Scientist
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Field Service Engineer
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Scientist (general and specialized in Power Electronics)
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Consulting Engineer
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Project Engineer
For green cards, the dominant roles sponsored are Electrical Engineers, Sales Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and Field Service Engineers specializing in medium voltage drives. Also included are computer-related occupations such as Computer Systems Analysts.
Why ABB Sponsors Work Visas
ABB’s work is highly technical and requires specialized skills in engineering, automation, and related STEM fields. The global nature of the company means it draws talent from around the world to maintain innovation leadership and operational excellence. Because of this, visa sponsorship is a key part of ABB’s talent acquisition strategy in countries like the U.S. where foreign nationals need visa sponsorship to work legally.
Additionally, ABB’s visa sponsorship reflects its commitment to diversity and international collaboration—attributes that are critical in a field driven by innovation and global project delivery.
Application Process and Considerations for Potential Candidates
For foreign professionals interested in working at ABB in the U.S., it is important to note that ABB files labor certifications with the U.S. Department of Labor to prove compliance with wage standards and labor market conditions before hiring foreign workers. These filings are required both for temporary work visas like the H-1B and for permanent residency processes via employment-based green cards.
The visa application process usually involves:
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Labor Condition Application (LCA): ABB must attest that the employment of the foreign worker will not negatively impact U.S. workers and that the foreign worker will be paid the prevailing wage.
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Visa Petition Filing: Following LCA approval, ABB files an H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For green cards, ABB files a labor certification application (PERM) and subsequent immigrant petition.
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Approval and Hiring: Upon USCIS approval and consular processing if the candidate is outside the U.S., the worker may join ABB.
Candidates typically should have strong credentials in engineering, technology, and sciences, often with graduate degrees, to qualify for ABB’s tech-focused roles. Research scientists, engineers specializing in power electronics, and field service engineers in industrial automation are especially in demand.
Career Opportunities and Culture at ABB
ABB promotes a diverse and inclusive culture and encourages career development and learning. The company emphasizes sustainability and societal impact through its work in electrification and automation globally. Employees can contribute to cutting-edge projects addressing energy efficiency, smart grids, and factory automation, making ABB attractive for forward-looking professionals.
Working at ABB offers:
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Exposure to global projects in over 100 countries
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Opportunities in R&D, engineering, and field operations
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A collaborative environment supporting sustainability and innovation
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Visa sponsorship support for highly skilled international talent
Recent Trends and Future Outlook
ABB’s continued investment in robotics, automation, and electrification aligns with global shifts towards sustainable energy and Industry 4.0 technologies. The company’s sustained visa sponsorship activity signals ongoing demand for skilled foreign workers to fill key technical roles in the U.S. and other markets.
ABB’s focus on net-zero goals and cutting-edge technology development makes it a prime employer for professionals looking for careers that combine engineering excellence with social impact.
Overall, ABB offers significant opportunities for international engineers and scientists seeking visa-sponsored careers in advanced electrical engineering and industrial automation. With a longstanding global footprint and ongoing recruitment across a variety of specialized technical roles, ABB remains a top employer for visa candidates eager to contribute to impactful technological innovations worldwide.
