VP R&D Systems Leader - Digital Energy Solutions

Job Description

R&D Systems Leader – Digital Energy Solutions

BU: Energy Management – Software & Services Division

Reports to: SVP, Digital Energy Solutions

Location: Europe Hubs (Montpellier, Grenoble, Paris ideally)

Team Size: ~200 HC (global) | Travel: up to 20–30% (global)

Mission & Context

The R&D Systems Digital Energy Solutions Leader is a senior leadership role within the Digital Energy (DE) Solutions organization.

This function designs and engineers all Digital Energy Solutions systems, spanning digital system architecture and engineering, software development, and AI-based energy orchestration solutions. It also orchestrates system delivery in close partnership with Digital Energy Software teams.

The function specifically supports all activities led by the DE Solutions Systems Product Offerings (including MicroGrid Systems) and the Lifecycle Management Product Offering, and hosts the Design CoE team that supports the entire Digital Energy Solutions portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of all DE Solutions systems, including architecture, system design, integration, verification, and engineering standards.
• Develop and maintain digital system architectures ensuring scalability, interoperability, cybersecurity, and long-term competitiveness.
• Oversee software development for system-level applications, orchestration engines, advanced controls, and AI-based energy optimization.
• Drive the development of AI-enabled energy orchestration solutions supporting microgrids, DER optimization, and digital services.
• Orchestrate system delivery with DE Software teams, aligning milestones, architecture dependencies, and integrated release plans.
• Support all Systems Product Offering Teams, including MicroGrid Systems, and the Lifecycle Management Product Offering with engineering expertise and delivery.
• Lead Service Engineering and Lifecycle Management engineering teams to enhance system reliability, maintainability, and serviceability.
• Host and develop the Design Chapter team, ensuring strong user experience and design integration across all system developments.
• Drive innovation across emerging system technologies including AI, digital twins, edge computing, controls, and connectivity.
• Ensure effective governance, resource allocation, and prioritization of R&D investments in alignment with strategic DE Solutions priorities.
• Lead a global team of ~200 engineers, architects, software developers, and designers, fostering a culture of technical mastery and innovation.

Experience:

• 10+ years leading global R&D teams in systems engineering, software development, or digital/energy systems.
• Deep expertise in system architecture, controls, AI/ML, and cyber-physical system design.
• Proven track record delivering complex multi-disciplinary (hardware + software + digital) solutions.
• Strong experience collaborating with Software R&D, Product Management, Services, Quality, and other cross-functional teams.
• Background in energy management, buildings, microgrids, DERs, or OT/IT integration preferred.
• Ideal experience of Model Based System Engineering (full lifecycle)
• Ideal experience/domain knowledge of electrical & controls/ automation, IEC61850

Skills & Competencies:

• Technical mastery in systems engineering, software development, digital system architecture, and AI/ML.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with long-term technology visioning.
• Strong execution capability with Agile R&D leadership experience.
• High influence, executive presence, and stakeholder alignment skills.
• Innovative, experimentation-driven mindset.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and organizational development skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, Master or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields preferred. MBA is a plus.

Key Interfaces

• DE Solutions Systems CoEs including MicroGrid Systems.
• Lifecycle Management League.
• DE Software teams for synchronized system and software delivery.
• Product Leagues for requirements, value delivery, and roadmaps.
• Design Team.
• Corporate Technology, Cybersecurity, Quality, Services, and Supply Chain.
• External R&D partners, universities, and technology ecosystem players

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• On-time, on-quality, and on-cost delivery of system platforms and releases.
• System performance metrics including reliability, cybersecurity posture, and serviceability.
• Innovation output including validated technology concepts, patents, and platform enhancements.
• Effectiveness of integration and orchestration with DE Software and Systems Product Offering Teams
• Team capability development, engagement, retention, and diversity.
• Engineering efficiency including architecture reuse, productivity improvements, and optimized R&D investments.

Looking to make an IMPACT with your career?

When you are thinking about joining a new team, culture matters. At Schneider Electric, our values and behaviors are the foundation for creating a great culture to support business success. We believe that our IMPACT values – Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork – starts with us.

IMPACT is also your invitation to join Schneider Electric where you can contribute to turning sustainability ambition into actions, no matter what role you play. It is a call to connect your career with the ambition of achieving a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable world.

We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

Become an IMPACT Maker with Schneider Electric – apply today!

€40 billion global revenue+9% organic growth150 000+ employees in 100+ countries

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