When you think of a career in manufacturing, you might picture rigid roles with little room to grow. At Eaton, an intelligent power management company, the reality is quite the opposite. With a culture built on professional development, internal mobility, and work-life balance, Eaton empowers employees to shape their careers while receiving the flexibility and support they need to thrive.
That commitment isn’t just talk—it’s something employees experience firsthand. In a recent focus group, new hires shared how Eaton’s empathetic leadership and emphasis on flexible work options influenced their decision to join, especially among working parents seeking a workplace that truly understands their needs.
Eaton is transforming the manufacturing industry with its commitment to growth, work-life balance, and community. Hear from five seasoned employees at the company as they share what makes Eaton a gem in the field.
Manufacturing is a misunderstood industry
“One thing that comes to mind when people hear the word ‘manufacturing’ is a heavy industry not suited for women with long hours on shop floors,” says lead cybersecurity engineer Neena Sharma. Since joining four years ago, she has transitioned from a platform team to a product team, expanding her role from leading cybersecurity on a single project to overseeing multiple projects in the Critical Power Solutions (CPS) division. “There are plenty of roles that don’t require you to be on the shop floor,” she says. “For those who do work in production, safety is always a top priority.”
Eaton’s approach to safety and efficiency in its manufacturing facilities is innovative. Their factories’ cutting-edge technology mirrors innovation found in R&D labs, says human resources manager Natalie Petersen-Menefee. “We use ergonomic and efficient tools, like lift tables for adjustable workstations.”
Finance manager Megan Wicklein joined the team in 2019 as an intern and has worked across four locations in six different roles. She highlights the overlooked sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from working hard to create something tangible. “I’ll find myself outside of work going, ‘Oh! Look, it's an Eaton XYZ!’ because I know the effort it took to produce that. This connection to the product is deeply fulfilling and something I can proudly point to in everyday life.”
Corporate supplier quality manager Tolli Grisham ensures defect-free products and echoes this sense of pride in manufacturing. “People don’t often stop to consider where goods come from or how they are made,” she says. “I feel manufacturing plants have heartbeats…the machinery, the movement. Being part of a team that creates a quality product that enhances our world is something to be very proud of. I love telling people about our products, where they are produced, and the dedicated individuals working hard every day.”
Eaton is an intelligent power management company with impressive perks, such as flexible work arrangements, a Care.com membership, and financial help planning for retirement, among other things. They’re most highly rated for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, Support for Diversity, and Ability to Telecommute. Click to explore Eaton's ratings, profile, and open jobs now.
Why Eaton's culture stands out as a gem in the industry
“Eaton is a place where you can be serious about your career growth and have the support that nurtures your development,” says Waylia Berry, a senior administrative assistant and project manager. “My career has been both unique and remarkable in the short time I’ve been here. I’ve never had more visibility in a role than I do at Eaton. I am truly supported in learning new skills, pursuing growth opportunities, and connecting with the right people to advance my career. It’s a place where work-life balance allows you to show up in a productive and healthy way.”
Eaton provides opportunities for community involvement through inclusion employee resource groups (iERGs) that plan initiatives based on employee interests. These iERGs help Eaton’s 90,000-plus employees connect and learn from one another on a global scale. “I can see a recent 5K race that someone is proud to have participated in or the new painting that someone completed,” Berry says. “It’s nice to get to know your peers on a more personal level when you usually only get to interact with some of them virtually.”
“I’ve worked for 15 years in five different organizations in the U.S and back in my home country, and I’ve never seen such high visibility and support for women,” Sharma says. “I used to be the only woman on my team in all my previous companies. I really like Eaton's approach for inclusion.”
Above all, Eaton's greatest strength lies in its people. Wicklein says, “The individuals here genuinely care about your career success and overall happiness. You won't feel like just another cog in the wheel; you'll feel like a vital part of the company.”
There are ample opportunities for skill development and career growth
Eaton employees are encouraged to take charge of their career paths. “This means there’s no one boxing you into a role you don’t want,” Sharma says. “You decide what you want to do, and then your manager works with HR to help you find a way. For skill gaps, there are stretch assignments, Eaton University courses, and in-person trainings.”
Eaton University’s 1,500+ online education and instructor-led courses provide a wealth of learning opportunities for employees looking to sharpen their skills. “I was helping facilitate some brainstorming sprints and signed up for a Design Thinking course to brush up on some strategies and mindsets needed for a successful session,” Berry says. “Courses and trainings are added all the time. For example, an SEO course was posted recently, and I plan on checking it out.”
Cross-functional growth is encouraged, and employees often branch out beyond their role. Wicklein says, “During my second-year Leadership Development Program (LDP) role, I took a yellow belt training that allowed me to work closely with the operations team. Though outside my finance role, this experience significantly deepened my understanding of manufacturing and gave me better insight into the numbers I analyze every month.”
Work-life balance is highly encouraged
Employees say that Eaton encourages employees to take time off, set boundaries, and prioritize their wellbeing. “My managers have always encouraged me to use all my vacation time, limit work outside normal hours, and fully disconnect when possible,” Wicklein says.
Berry appreciates that Eaton’s policies allow her to actually use her paid time off (PTO) for vacations instead of sick days. “No need to spend my PTO on being sick—I can focus on getting better instead of cutting a Beyoncé concert trip short down the line,” she says.
Eaton’s emphasis on work-life balance also supports employees through major life events. Grisham was able to adjust her schedule to care for a family member in need: “As long as I met my deadlines and goals, I had the flexibility to shift my work hours, whether that meant working evenings or weekends after doctor’s appointments.”
Working parents value that same flexibility. When Sharma unexpectedly had to remain in India for four months during her pregnancy, her manager found a way to support her. “I was able to work with the Pune team instead,” she says. “Even now, I get the flexibility I need, which is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a mom to a toddler.”
Employees' personal and professional goals are supported
“Eaton covers all bases when it comes to long-term goals,” Sharma says. She frequently uses her Eaton Care.com membership for support at home and takes advantage of Eaton University’s courses to build her professional skills. “Best of all are the health insurance options for wellness goals and the 401(k) for financial security.”
Apart from offering stellar benefits, Eaton empowers employees to make an impact outside of work. “I’m passionate about giving back, and Eaton matches charitable contributions $0.50 on the dollar to most 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, up to a $5,000 match,” Grisham says. “I am using this to fund a scholarship at my university to assist someone from my small hometown in pursuing a STEM degree.”
Again, although Eaton is a large corporation, Wicklein says it feels like a close-knit community, thanks to a strong culture of mentorship that has shaped her career. “Throughout my career, I've received mentorship from individuals at various stages of their careers, helping me navigate challenges, explore potential career paths, and develop my soft skills.”
Why you, too, should consider joining Eaton
“If I had to convince someone to work at Eaton, I would tell them about my intern experience,” Wicklein says. “When I first joined Eaton, it was on a whim. What I found while working here were individuals who personally invested themselves into my career success. They took the time to train and mentor me, celebrated my achievements, and made an effort to know me as a person, not just an intern. It was my first experience truly feeling the company's culture.”
Grisham believes Eaton is the perfect place for those who want to make an impact. “We’re always looking for better ways to work, so you can bring all your creativity with you to Eaton.” Sharma emphasizes Eaton isn’t just another place to work—it’s a place that supports you as a whole person. “Whatever your dream is, Eaton will enhance and support it, even if it’s outside what the company does.”
