Eaton’s Electrical Sector in EMEA is seeking a VP Research & Development Engineering EMEA, as the single point of accountability for R&D strategy, portfolio prioritisation, and capability building.
The Vice President ES Research & Development Engineering EMEA is the leader accountable for Research & Development Engineering (RDE) in Eaton’s Electrical Sector in the region. They are the single point of accountability for R&D strategy, portfolio prioritisation, and capability building – shaping products, platforms, architectures, and engineering capability across multiple Electrical Sector businesses.
Eaton spent $794m on research & development activities in 2024, with a goal to invest $3bn in sustainable R&D by 2030. This role leads an organization of 700+ engineers and technology professionals in direct or functional reporting. It is one of the most influential technical leadership roles in Eaton’s Electrical Sector, and business critical due to the complexity of scope, strategic impact, and enterprise visibility.
Position Overview
To lead, shape, and deliver the future of Electrical Sector research and development innovation in EMEA by combining excellence in innovation, operations, and leadership. Our strategy for growth is increasing technical, digital and regulatory complexity, with multiple, distinct businesses relying on shared RDE capability and architecture.
The role is accountable for:
The Vice President holds overall accountability for ES RDE‑owned scope within the EMEA Engineering Innovation Center (EEIC) in Prague, encompassing RDE delivery, capability development, cost, and long‑term footprint decisions. The role is accountable for how EEIC Prague contributes to Electrical Sector innovation and future product development, as a multi‑tenant, enterprise‑integrated engineering hub.
Strategic Leadership & Innovation Excellence
Customer Focus & Business Acumen
Continuous Improvement & Execution Excellence
Operational Leadership & Global Execution
Talent, Culture & Organizational Strength
External Stakeholder Engagement
Selective external leadership on behalf of Eaton Engineering, representing the Electrical Sector with key customers, partners, and industry or enterprise forums where senior technical influence is required to support strategy, portfolio direction, or regulatory alignment.
Master’s degree in Engineering, or related engineering field, is desired
Minimum of 15 years related engineering experience (Advanced degree may be substituted for some experience)
Minimum of 7 years direct management experience
Senior engineering executive with true R&D / technology ownership and a track record of leading large, multidisciplinary product or platform organisations
Deep core engineering domain expertise (electrical, mechanical, software, or systems)
Proven experience leading and landing large‑scale, multidisciplinary product programs (concept to launch)
Demonstrated portfolio‑level leadership across multiple product lines or businesses. Comfortable making investment and prioritisation decisions to drive outcomes and urgency
Exposure to digital, software‑intensive, or AI‑enabled engineering
Experience operating in functions beyond engineering (e.g., manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, strategy)
Background in regulated or safety‑critical industries
Proven effectiveness in matrixed, enterprise‑governed environments
Track record of building and scaling agile, high‑performing, globally distributed R&D organizations
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
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.
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