Latam R&D Manager

Eaton Corporation; Santiago; Hybrid; CLP 118,577,000 - 177,866,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton Group is seeking a LATAM R&D Manager to lead regional Research & Development and Engineering across Latin America, driving product localization, cost reduction, manufacturing innovation, process standardization, and capital investment projects.

The role reports to the LATAM Operations Director and supports operations in Mexico, Central America & Caribbean, Chile, and Brazil, with 50% travel and strategic emphasis on localization and engineering excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field of engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial).
• 7+ years progressive experience in engineering/R&D.
• 5+ years of people leadership with engineering teams.
• Advanced English and Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional R&D, cost reduction and localization initiatives for LATAM.
• Direct Manufacturing Engineering teams across Mexico, CAC, Chile and Brazil.
• Drive process standardization across plants and productivity programs.
• Manage regional Capex projects from justification to implementation.
• Standardize items/materials and product families across the region.
• Support localization strategy to grow manufacturing capacity in all plants.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Quality/OpEx, and Plant Managers on DFM/DFMA and new product introductions.
• Ensure compliance with Eaton standards and local regulations; develop regional engineering talent.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Project & Program Management

Change Management

Analytical Thinking

Talent Development & Coaching

Communication & Influencing

Results Orientation

English & Spanish Fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering or MBA (preferred)

Job description

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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