Manager- Common Lab

What you’ll do:

Eaton is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lab Manager to lead laboratory operations, manage test infrastructure, and drive operational excellence within the engineering test environment. Primary accountability will be for overseeing laboratory personnel, ensuring safety, resource planning, team management, managing laboratory equipment and facilities, supporting product development and validation programs,driving continuous improvement initiatives and focusing on talent development. The position is a part of the enterprise engineering group in EIIC under common lab function catering multiple business with strong leadership, technical domain knowledge and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives and customer expectations.

'1. Managing Laboratory Operations:

• Manage end-to-end operations of Common Lab (AM, PE, IP Lab etc) laboratories, including test benches, validation facilities, and development labs. 
• Ensure optimal utilization of lab resources, equipment, and infrastructure. 
• Develop and implement lab operational procedures, standards, and best practices. 
• Monitor lab performance through KPIs and drive continuous improvements.

2. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and develop a team of lab engineers, technicians, and support staff
• Set performance expectations and provide coaching and feedback.
• Build technical capability and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Support skill development and competency enhancement initiatives.

3. Test Infrastructure Management

• Manage procurement, installation, calibration, maintenance, and upgrades of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain inventory of lab assets, tools, instruments, and consumables. 
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment servicing and technical support.
• Lead laboratory expansion and infrastructure improvement initiatives.

4. Project and Business Support

• Support product development, validation, and customer programs through effective laboratory support.
• Prioritize laboratory resources to meet project schedules and business objectives.
• Partner with engineering teams to deliver reliable and timely test results.
• Provide technical guidance on test methods and laboratory capabilities.

5. Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, and quality requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation actions.
• Maintain audit readiness and support compliance reviews.
• Drive a proactive safety culture throughout the laboratory.
• Establish and maintain laboratory quality processes.
• Support ISO, IATF, IEC, UL, and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Ensure accurate documentation and traceability of test activities.

6. Resource and Financial Management

• Manage laboratory operating budgets and capital investments.
• Optimize equipment utilization and resource allocation.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining laboratory performance.
• Support business cases for new equipment and facility enhancements.

7. Stakeholder and Vendor Management

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business teams.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage service providers, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
• Ensure effective communication of laboratory priorities, status, and performance.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s / Master's degree in Electrical, Electronics, Power Electronics Engineering.
2. 10+ years of experience in engineering testing, validation, product development, or laboratory operations.
3. 3+ years of experience in leading teams and managing laboratory operations.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of:Power electronics/ Electrical Systems.
• Laboratory Expertise: Electronic/Electrical/Mechnical testing and validation; Product qualification and certification testing; Environmental and reliability testing
• Strong Equipment Knowledge of: Oscilloscopes, Power analyzers,Data acquisition systems,Electronic loads,Environmental chambers, power supply etc
• Good Understanding of test automation, version control, and continuous integration practices.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment, test infrastructure, simulation, and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronics, and software-based validation environments.
• Understanding of safety, cybersecurity, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience in laboratory operations, asset management, resource planning, and project execution.
• Has good understanding of digital tools like Power app, Power BI- etc.