Kelsey Bush, 27
Research & Development Engineer
ABB Installation Products
Kelsey began her journey as an engineer with the ABB Installation Products R&D team after graduating from the University of South Florida in 2018. “While in college I interned with an R&D team, and every day felt different as I was given the freedom to explore my interests and spend countless hours in the lab researching and testing concepts,” she said. “My natural curiosity and desire to learn fit well with the R&D environment, and I wanted to stay on that side of engineering. Post-graduation, I relied on my R&D experience and hands-on learning style to become an expert in our ABB Elastimold® switchgear product portfolio and the utility sector.”
Eventually, Kelsey was offered a leadership role in ABB’s full-service lab and test facility in Hackettstown, N.J. “I jumped at the chance to collaborate with customers, product managers, marketing, and test lab engineers,” she said. “Even after five years at ABB Installation Products, I am still learning and engaging with something new every day.”
In her current role, Kelsey follows the full product life cycle and constantly grows her technical and nontechnical skills. “What appeals to me most is having a role in every stage of a product’s development—from inception to installation in the field—especially as I work with products that connect, protect, and distribute power,” she said.
Kelsey pointed to product safety as her No. 1 challenge. “The job of linemen can be very difficult and dangerous,” she explained. “As an R&D engineer, it’s my responsibility to design with their safety in mind. To do this, I start by listening to the linemen who are using our products. Brainstorming sessions with customer teams provide the space for me to question the way things are done. This input is essential in developing new solutions or updating existing designs to include new features and functionality.”
She added that having a complete understanding of what a lineman’s day looks like and the specific challenges they face enables her to better tackle problems with a fresh perspective and deliver configurable solutions specifically for the utility customer. “This holistic approach helps us to continue innovating and enhance creativity to accelerate projects, so our ABB Elastimold® switchgear solutions hit the field faster and better support the needs of the crew and the end customer,” she said.
Kelsey’s career goal is to channel her passion for problem-solving into innovating advancements in the utility industry, helping provide safe and reliable access to electricity everywhere. “I’m fortunate to have a supportive manager who provides tools and a pathway to achieve success through continued learning and exposure to a broad range of opportunities,” she said. “As an engineer, I’m constantly working to fine-tune my technical skills. I’m also focused on soft skills, such as presenting, technical writing, and interviewing, to enhance my ability to effectively collaborate and spark ideas that help solve electrification challenges now and in the future.”
What would Kelsey tell someone just entering the industry? “My biggest advice to anyone entering the electrification industry is to ask questions,” she said. “An inquisitive mind with a fresh perspective is valuable to any team.
“I would also tell those new to the industry that this is an exciting time for solutions that can help protect communities and enhance grid resiliency,” she continued. “As electrification needs evolve, now is the time to question how things work, why they work that way, and ultimately, how things can be done better. I advise everyone to leverage their curiosity and lean into their natural inclination to question everything.”
When she’s not working, Kelsey loves traveling and trying new foods and recently learned how to crochet. “I have designed a few wonky creations,” she said with a laugh. “I’m used to problem-solving, but who knew tying knots in string could be so hard!”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2024 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2023 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, ABB, people