Automation Engineer

Whirlpool•Racine, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking qualified candidates for an Automation Engineer role. This is an onsite position at their Racine, WI location. The role serves as the lead technical analyst for optimizing plant automation and control systems. Key responsibilities include developing engineering standards, managing version control governance, and leading continuous improvement projects to enhance overall equipment efficiency and eliminate process waste. The position also requires maintaining core cross-functional technical capabilities to provide immediate technical backup across the facility's automation layers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or STEM field
3+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, specifically focusing on PLC logic (Rockwell Automation Studio 5000), HMI (FactoryTalk View), robotics, SQL databases, and SCADA architectures
2+ years of experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP), data mapping frameworks, and enterprise data hierarchy
1+ years of people leadership experience, including mentoring technical staff and coordinating resources for shop floor support

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Certification: Active Green Belt or Black Belt certification with a demonstrated history of utilizing DMAIC methodologies for data-driven process optimization
Advanced proficiency in Rockwell Automation software (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View) and experience managing master code libraries via version control platforms
Expert-level SQL query development and experience configuring time-series historians and real-time OEE dashboards for UNS data mapping
Practical experience in programming Fanuc robotics and configuring multi-axis servo-driven motion control architectures
PMP certification or equivalent experience leading complex automation projects throughout the full asset lifecycle, from design to site commissioning

Responsibilities

Create, update, and enforce plant-wide automation and control standards across all existing production lines and new capital projects.
Lead root-cause problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
Extract and analyze machine performance data from plant historians to identify bottlenecks and reduce downtime.
Oversee master code repositories and software configuration management platforms for all PLCs, HMIs, drives, and robotics across the facility.
Track technology lifecycles, maintain the automation risk register, and assist in developing the 3-to-5-year equipment replacement roadmap.
Develop SQL queries, reports, and real-time OEE dashboards to translate operational data into actionable engineering improvements.
Partner with internal teams and external system integrators to establish technical benchmarks, review project specifications, and ensure alignment with plant standards.
Maintain clear technical documentation, code libraries, circuit diagrams, and system architecture drawings for all automated production equipment, including basic network diagnostics.

Benefits

Generous benefits package
Whirlpool employee discount
Fitness reimbursement programs
Educational reimbursement programs
Kitchenettes
Beautiful, recently renovated office space (Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations)
Free coffee (Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations)
Biking/walking trails (Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations)
Access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required) (Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations)
Always On Flexibility
Two-Week Work from Anywhere
Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service