Set-Up Press & Weld

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company drives meaningful innovation through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales, 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.

About the role

The Set Up Press and Weld role is responsible for the technical configuration and operation of key metal fabrication equipment, including metal stamping presses, automated welding equipment, roll levelers, and shearing lines. This role ensures tooling is installed correctly, machines are calibrated, parameters are optimized, and raw steel is processed and cut to meet production schedules and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Press Setup: Install, align, and secure stamping dies into power presses (Mechanical or Hydraulic). Adjust ram stroke, shut height, and feed systems to match part specifications.
• Weld Cell Configuration: Set up automated welding cells (MIG, Spot, or Projection). Change out welding tips, nozzles, and wire; adjust gas flow and wire feed speeds.
• Shear and Roll Level Operation: Set up and operate roll leveler, squaring shears, and automatic shear line. Set controls, stops, and gages on squaring and automatic shear to cut steel sheets to tolerances of minus 0, plus 1/64.
• Tooling & Fixturing: Install and calibrate weld fixtures and clamping systems. Ensure all locating pins and proximity sensors are functioning and aligned to prevent misfeeds.
• Parameter Adjustment: Load CNC or PLC programs for specific jobs. Adjust weld timers, current, and pressure settings based on validated setup sheets. On roll leveler, adjust roll pressures, oiler, and brushes to optimum setting.
• First-Piece Validation & Inspection: Run initial parts and perform "first-piece" inspections using calipers, micrometers, and weld destructive testing (e.g., chisel tests) to verify integrity. Inspect metal surfaces for obvious defects during shearing or rolling process; aside obviously bad pieces or call foreman on questionable pieces.
• Safety Systems: Verify that all light curtains, interlocking gates, and E-stops are fully operational before turning the machine over to an Operator. Follows all safety rules and recognized rules of safe practice.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose "poor weld" conditions or "press stalls." Perform minor on-site repairs to tooling or welding torches to maintain flow.
• Material Handling: Operate overhead cranes and forklifts to safely transport and position multi-ton dies and welding fixtures. Loads coils to reel. Removes steel from stacker on automatic shears and roll level and bands steel into bundles using steel straps.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in equipment setup or maintenance in a high-pace manufacturing environment
• High school diploma or GED
• Basic computer skills

Benefits

• Up to 120 hours of paid time off (prorated based on start date)
• Medical, dental, vision, and 401k benefits available immediately
• Tuition reimbursement