Manufacturing Leadership Development Program (MLDP): Controls Engineering Track Full Time, July 2026

Whirlpool • Columbus, OH

70d

About The Position

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 is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers 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 - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. The Program | Start Date: July 2026 Manufacturing is at the heart of what we do at Whirlpool Corporation and controls engineering is the engine driving our success. Our full time Manufacturing Leadership Development Program (MLDP): Controls Engineering Track provides an experience with World Class Manufacturing (WCM) operations at production plants that have made Whirlpool Corporation a global leader in manufacturing home appliances. This intentionally structured, 3-year program is designed to accelerate controls engineering talent through three 12-month rotations at two to three of our plant locations. You will gain invaluable experience building a career with strategic impact, starting as a Controls Engineering Analyst and, upon completion of the program, have the opportunity to graduate as a Senior Analyst.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer or a related field.
• Pursuing a bachelor's degree with plans to graduate before or by May 2026.
• 0-18 months of relevant experience.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
• Must have indefinite US work authorization. Applicants who require visa sponsorship or work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for this program.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and be geographically mobile.

Nice To Haves

• A strong technical foundation in PLC, HMI, robotics, or vision systems.
• Applies strong analytical and problem solving skills to solve complex problems and make well-informed decisions.
• A natural ability to lead and collaborate with teams to get things done.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Prior internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and troubleshooting core automation systems like PLCs, HMIs, motor drives.
• Deepening technical expertise through the integration of advanced systems such as Robotics, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and AI-powered vision systems.
• Leading and supporting strategic, cross-plant transformation projects focused on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and AI/ML, culminating in a high-visibility Capstone Project.
• Applying Lean and World Class Manufacturing principles to analyze and solve complex business problems and drive continuous improvement.
• Managing automation projects in a cost and time-constrained environment, including developing project specifications with stakeholders, purchasing equipment, and seeing projects through from concept to completion.
• Building leadership capabilities through direct mentorship from senior engineers, formal project management experience, and collaboration with cross-functional business partners.

Benefits

• Relocation support
• Annual bonus
• 401k match
• Paid time off
• Insurance plan
• Fitness reimbursement
• Health savings accounts
• Free wellness coaching
• Fertility and adoption support
• Parental (maternity and paternity) leave
• Education support
• Free financial coaching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree