Eaton’s Protection, Control, & Solutions Group (PCS) division is currently seeking a Latam R&D Manager. This position can be located in any of our main Electrical Sector locations in Latin America. And requires 50% travel.
The LATAM R&D Manager will lead the regional Research & Development and Engineering organization, driving product localization, cost reduction, manufacturing innovation, process standardization, and capital investment projects across Latin America. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for R&D Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering teams supporting operations in Mexico, Central America & Caribbean, Chile, and Brazil.
Reporting to the LATAM Operations Director, this position plays a critical role in expanding manufacturing capabilities, improving operational efficiency, and supporting Eaton's regional growth strategy through localization and engineering excellence.
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead regional R&D, cost reduction and product localization initiatives to grow manufacturing capabilities across LATAM.
- Direct Manufacturing Engineering teams across Mexico, CAC, Chile and Brazil.
- Drive process standardization across all plants.
- Lead productivity improvement programs.
- Manage regional Capex projects, from justification through implementation.
- Standardize items/materials and product families across the region.
- Support the localization strategy to grow manufacturing capacity in all plants.
- Partner with Supply Chain, Quality/OpEx and Plant Managers on design-for-manufacturability and new product/process introduction.
- Ensure engineering compliance with Eaton standards and applicable local regulations.
- Build organizational capability, developing and coaching engineering talent across the region.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution.
- Working knowledge of product/manufacturing engineering, R&D, product localization and Capex management.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in engineering / R&D.
- Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience managing engineering teams.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.
- Advanced English and Spanish proficiency.
Preferred:
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or related field.
• Experience leading engineering organizations in a multi-country manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of product standardization and material master management.
• Experience within industrial, electrical, manufacturing, or engineered products industries.
Technical knowledge:
- A thorough understanding of product design, R&D, DFM/DFMA and new product introduction is required.
- Manufacturing engineering, process standardization and productivity/lean methods.
- Capex project management (justification through implementation).
- Item/material master and product family standardization.
- Strategic Leadership
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Project & Program Management
- Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
- Talent Development & Coaching
- Communication & Influencing Skills
- Results Orientation
- Customer and Business Focus
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We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
- Working knowledge of product and manufacturing engineering, R&D, product localization, and CapEx management
- At least 7 years of progressive engineering or R&D experience
- At least 5 years of experience leading engineering teams
- Experience leading cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams
- Advanced English and Spanish proficiency
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
- Experience leading engineering organizations in a multi-country manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of product standardization and material master management
- Experience in industrial, electrical, manufacturing, or engineered products industries
- Understanding of product design, R&D, DFM/DFMA, and new product introduction
- Knowledge of manufacturing engineering, process standardization, and productivity or lean methods
- CapEx project management experience from justification through implementation
Eaton Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Eaton and has not been reviewed or approved by Eaton.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription, life, and company‑paid disability, with HSAs/HRAs and wellness programs enhancing access and support.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) with company matching alongside additional retirement contributions, with some sites also featuring pension and profit‑sharing components.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for all parents, childbirth leave via short‑term disability for birth mothers, adoption benefits, and subsidized backup care signal strong family‑focused support.
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Planes. Hospitals. Factories. Data centers. Vehicles. The electrical grid. These are things people depend on every day. And the companies behind them depend on Eaton to solve some of the toughest power management challenges on the planet. Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees.
Why Work With Us
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