Associate, Engineering

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company focused on improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company drives innovation through its portfolio of brands, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales, with nearly 90% generated in the Americas, and employed 41,000 people across 35 manufacturing and technology research centers.

About the role

Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for an Associate, Engineering role to join the Refrigeration team in Benton Harbor, MI. This position is onsite at the Benton Harbor Tech Center (BHTC).

Responsibilities

• Lead product development projects for the refrigeration business with a focus on Cooling, Ice & Water (I&W) systems.
• Apply concurrent engineering principles including design concept development and evaluation, design and process variation control plans, and component and system-level verification and validation.
• Deliver critical KPIs for the Cooling I&W system, including product leadership, regulatory compliance, safety, and premium quality.
• Capture design intent using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), requirements capture, design guides, test-to-fail/test-to-learn methodologies, simulations, A3s, and related tools.
• Apply OPEx (Six Sigma) tools and fundamentals to drive product development.
• Utilize critical thinking, Design of Experiments (DOEs), Components of Variation (COVs), thought maps, and process maps.
• Drive intellectual property protection by submitting patent applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 1+ years of experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Coursework in WPD and Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams to reach consensus.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to meet stringent deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Self-driven and motivated.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package.
• Whirlpool employee discount.
• Fitness and educational reimbursement programs.
• Kitchenettes and access to on-site amenities.
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space in Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor.
• Free coffee and access to biking/walking trails.
• Access to The Eddy – Early Childhood Center (availability and additional costs may apply).

Workplace Flexibility

• Always On Flexibility – autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside commitments.
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere – minimum one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical – four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.