Eaton’s Research Labs is looking to hire a Lead Polymer Additive Manufacturing Engineer for our Southfield MI location. 

Primary function:

The Lead Engineer is expected to serve as a technical and/or project lead to develop solutions for Aerospace, Electrical and Vehicle applications. The individual should have strong innovation management skills, and would be responsible to develop strategy, initiate new programs/technology platforms, develop project plan, schedule, scope, cost and technical targets.

The Lead Engineer will be participating in brainstorming and design bursts events contributing to the technology strategy of the business units. Interacting with different business units and building relationships by presenting project and technology platform ideas, contributing to the development of compelling value propositions for technology work and acquiring resources and funding needed to ensure success. The individual will also be working with external partners to secure Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD) funded programs. They are expected to contribute to technical papers and presentations as well as IP generation through authoring (or co-authoring) disclosures and patents

As a key member of the Polymer and Nanocomposite team, the Lead Engineer is expected to develop themselves as a subject matter expert both internally and externally to Eaton. This includes attending conferences, seminars and/or consortium meetings in relevant industry to network with technical peers and stay updated in their fields.

Eaton Research Labs (ERL) focuses on the front end of innovation by conducting research to advance the state of the art, emphasizing cross-business impact technologies, and innovating to provide Eaton’s customers with safe, efficient, and reliable power management solutions.

The Polymer and Nanocomposite team has the principal goal of identifying, developing, and facilitating commercialization of significant growth opportunities for diverse Eaton businesses in the area of high temperature polymer composites/nanocomposites, additive manufacturing, smart materials and, multifunctional & conducting polymers.

Making what matters work at Eaton takes the passion of every employee around the world. We create an environment where creativity, invention and discovery become reality, each and every day. It’s where bold, bright professionals like you can reach your full potential—and where you can help us reach ours. 

In this role you will:

• Demonstrate technical leadership in the area of large format polymer additive manufacturing (FGF & FFF), SLS and SLA.
• Design for AM, develop print strategy, recommend material/machine combination to evaluate feasibility of AM that meet the application requirements.
• Specify, plan, and oversee analytical and experimental work qualifying the proposed materials and process options.
• Perform hands-on design, analysis, and experimental work as needed to demonstrate technical feasibility.
• Identify and work with external technology sources including academic institutions, consultants, test labs, material suppliers, and material processors to qualify or develop the proposed technologies.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with R&D, product engineering, manufacturing, marketing and Business Units globally and cross functional team to deliver on technical concepts and capabilities to drive business growth.
• Ability to be self-directed. Driving and delivering on multiple project tasks with prioritization while maintaining focus on key milestones and goals
• Work with other corporate and divisional staff to define future research and technology development efforts.
• Compile and interpret analysis and test results providing conclusions, recommendations, and inputs for other engineers and management to act upon.
• Write and present project funding proposals including government contract and/or grants.
• Work effectively with diverse and remotely located global teams.
• Use Value Proposition Design/Business Model Canvas and Design for Six Sigma tools as appropriate.
• Direct work with laboratory technicians as necessary

When we embrace the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds that make each of us unique, we — as individuals and as a company — are stronger.

Qualifications

Required (Basic) Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science from an accredited institution
• 3+ years of experience practicing materials science or engineering OR a Master’s Degree in Engineering or Science from an accredited institution with 5 years of tangible research or industrial experience practicing materials science
• Minimum 2 year of experience in Additive Manufacturing, with focus on Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and high temperature polymers like PEEK/PEKK.
• Minimum 2 year of experience in design of AM components, build file preparation, printing parameter determination and printed structure post-processing
• No relocation benefit is offered for this position.  Only candidates residing within the immediate geographical area (50 miles) from Southfield, MI will be considered for this position.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Materials Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Expertise in operating and maintaining High temperature large format Additive Manufacturing machines.
• Experience in AM slicers such as Simplified3D or Cura.
• Experience in designing and producing 3D printed applications using specified design rules
• Experience in manufacturing, material development and process development.
• Ability to identify issue and trouble shoot 3D printers and failed prints.
• Demonstrated proficiency in application appropriate tools & processes such as AgileStartTM Methodology, Lean Innovation, DFSS, PreLaunch, etc.

Position Criteria

• Possess strong business acumen and the ability to understand and formulate compelling technical and business value propositions.
• Demonstrate ability to think innovatively and strategically and communicate complex technical ideas effectively in both technical and commercial environment.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong initiative and drive for results as well as good interpersonal skills and teaming behaviors.
• Project management experience is highly desired.
• Position requires up to 10% travel domestic.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

We make what matters work. Everywhere you look—from the technology and machinery that surrounds us, to the critical services and infrastructure that we depend on every day—you’ll find one thing in common. It all relies on power. That’s why Eaton is dedicated to improving people’s lives and the environment with power management technologies that are more reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable. Because this is what matters.

We are confident we can deliver on this promise because of the attributes that our employees embody. We’re ethical, passionate, accountable, efficient, transparent and we’re committed to learning. These values enable us to tackle some of the toughest challenges on the planet, never losing sight of what matters.

Job: Engineering

Region: North America – US/Puerto Rico
Organization: CTO Corporate Technology Office

Job Level: Individual Contributor
Schedule: Full-time
Is remote work (i.e. working from home or another Eaton facility) allowed for this position?: No
Does this position offer relocation?: No
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time