Lead Mechanical Engineer - Data Centers

About the role

Eaton’s Electrical Critical Power Solutions Division is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join the team in Richmond, VA. The role involves supervising mechanical design and development of product lines, contributing to project design, development, and prototype production, and making key design decisions for integration within a cross‑functional team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Electrical and Mechanical Engineers to identify industry standards and compliance requirements impacting product design.
• Lead product certification planning and testing processes, supporting Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs).
• Develop and maintain engineering repository structure and Standard Operating Procedures for mechanical design, including verification and validation.
• Support production through cost/design for manufacturing analysis (DFMEA / DFSS).
• Work with Manufacturing Engineers to optimize assembly and testing processes.
• Stay current with relevant UL, IEEE, IEC, CSA, and DOE standards.
• Mentor junior staff, provide technical direction, and support formal design reviews and standards adherence.
• Research, evaluate, and document design methods to meet standards and codes.
• Support management throughout product development.

Qualifications

• Basic: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (accredited) with at least five years of mechanical design experience, OR a Master’s degree in Engineering with at least three years of mechanical design experience.
• Preferred: Experience developing products from concept to manufacturing launch.
• In‑depth knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) techniques.
• Proficiency with 3D mechanical CAD tools (complex assemblies, sheet metal design, detailed manufacturing drawings).
• Strong working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, weldments, structural frames, and enclosure‑based designs for electrical/industrial applications.
• Experience using PLM systems for BOM management, configuration control, and engineering change processes (ECR/ECO).
• Familiarity with ERP systems and how engineering data interfaces with manufacturing, sourcing, and cost control.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) methodology and participation in DFMEA, cost‑reduction, and manufacturability improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of mechanical considerations tied to electrical compliance (creepage, clearance, grounding, enclosure integrity, serviceability, seismic, safety features).
• Experience contributing to or leading New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, including prototype builds, design reviews, verification/validation, and release to production.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and designers, provide technical direction, and support formal design reviews and standards adherence.

Skills

• Ability to understand business needs and make decisions that maintain customer satisfaction, quality, and profitability.
• Mentoring – provide meaningful feedback to less experienced engineers and designers.
• Work autonomously and shift to collaborative team environments across Eaton.
• Sense of urgency with high attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to discuss technical concepts with internal staff, peers, and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance and sponsorship (U.S. only).
• Competitive salary.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health and welfare programs, additional retirement benefits, and paid/unpaid time away from work (subject to eligibility and location).

Pay

Annual salary range: $97,000 – $143,000 (general guideline; actual salary based on skills, experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations).