Latam R&D Manager

Eaton Group; Monterrey; On-site; MXN 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton is seeking a LATAM R&D Manager to lead regional R&D and manufacturing engineering across Latin America, driving localization, efficiency, and cost reductions. The role requires steering multi-country teams, aligning with local regulations, and upholding Eaton standards.

The position reports to the LATAM Operations Director and emphasizes organizational capability building, capex governance, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain and Plant Managers. Travel ~50% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Working knowledge of product/manufacturing engineering, R&D, product localization and Capex management.
• Minimum 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.

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/material master and product families across the region.

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

Education

B.S. Mechanical Eng

B.S. Electrical Eng

B.S. Industrial Eng

MBA

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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