R&D Laboratory Technician

What you’ll do:

Eaton Research Labs focuses on the front end of innovation by conducting research that advances the state of the art, emphasizes cross-business impact technologies, and delivers safe, efficient, and reliable power management solutions for Eaton’s customers. 

We are seeking a hands-on and safety-focused Lab Technician to join the Eaton Research Labs China team in Shanghai. This role is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the ERL laboratory, including test preparation, equipment operation, experiment execution, lab maintenance, documentation, and coordination of internal and external testing activities. 

The incumbent will work closely with ERL engineers, project teams, and external testing resources to support R&D experiments and technical projects. The role requires solid hands-on laboratory experience, familiarity with electrical systems and test equipment, strong EHS awareness, and the ability to support multiple project needs in a fast-paced R&D environment. 

Laboratory Operations & Safety Management
•    Support daily operations of the ERL China laboratory, including management of laboratory facilities, equipment, and capital assets through procurement, maintenance, calibration, inventory control, and lifecycle management, ensuring a safe, organized, efficient, and compliant working environment.
•    Lead and support laboratory EHS programs, 5S activities, routine safety inspections, Gemba Walks, corrective action follow-up, and documentation management to ensure full compliance with Eaton safety policies and zero incidents.
•    Coordinate laboratory access, safety onboarding, and training for new employees and lab users.
•    Support the build-up and continuous enhancement of ERL China testing and experimental capabilities to meet evolving technology roadmaps and ERL technical competency development needs.

Test Planning, Execution & Analysis
•    Develop, maintain, and continuously improve laboratory procedures, work instructions, testing standards, reports, records, and technical documentation.
•    Support project test planning and Design of Experiments (DoE).
•    Enable proper execution of experiments through preparation, setup, execution, implementation, troubleshooting, and laboratory support to ensure experiments are completed safely and effectively.
•    Ensure testing activities, records, and documentation are completed in accordance with project and quality requirements. 
•    Understand project plans and timelines, align laboratory activities with project priorities and deliverables, and support project teams deliver results on schedule. 
•    Coordinate internal and external testing activities, including sample preparation, logistics, scheduling, documentation, stakeholder communication, and utilization of internal, global, and external resources to support project requirements.
•    Respond to other laboratory and technical support activities as needed.

Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
•    5+ years of relevant laboratory, testing, R&D, or engineering experience, including laboratory operations, testing, equipment maintenance, technical documentation, and medium-voltage testing. Laboratory management experience is preferred.
•    Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics, layouts, and technical manuals. 
  •    Strong knowledge of laboratory quality, safety, EHS, and 5S requirements. 
  •    Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments and measurement equipment (e.g., scope, power analyzers, data acquisition systems, power supplies, etc.). 
  •    Basic English communication skills, including the ability to write business emails and participate in regional and global conference calls. 
  •    Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
  •    Experience with installation and operation of electric motor testbeds (e.g., motor, generator, dyno, etc.) and UPS-related testing setups is preferred. 
  •    Electrician license is preferred.
•    Self-motivated and goal-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, attention to detail, and drive for results.
  •    Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively work with researchers, engineers, suppliers, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  •    Demonstrates integrity and consistently acts in an ethical, open, honest, trustworthy, and professional manner. 
  •    Proactive and eager to learn, with the ability to understand project objectives, technical requirements, and timelines to effectively support project execution.
  •    Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information, test results, and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
  •    With the ability to adapt communication styles and work effectively across different cultures and business environments.
  •    Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, problem-solving capability, and the courage to address issues and drive appropriate actions.
  •    Willingness and ability to travel ~25% as required.