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.
What you'll do: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.
Qualifications: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.
Skills:- 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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