Automation Engineer

This role in summary

Whirlpool is currently seeking qualified candidates for an Automation Engineer. This is an onsite role at our Racine, WI location.

Serves as the lead technical analyst for optimizing plant automation and control systems. This position focuses on developing engineering standards, managing version control governance, and leading continuous improvement projects to improve overall equipment efficiency and eliminate process waste. Additionally, this role maintains core cross-functional technical capabilities to serve as an immediate technical backup across the facility's automation layers. 

Your responsibilities will include

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

Minimum 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

Preferred skills and experiences

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

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day.  We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. 

• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.

• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.