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

Job description

**Requisition ID:** 69084

**About Whirlpool Corporation**

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.

**Rotational assignments and experiences**

Rotation 1: Plant Operations (Plant Location 1) - develop a strong technical foundation in controls engineering, project management, communication and teamwork.

Rotation 2: Plant Operations (Plant Location 2) - deepen technical expertise in robotics and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), develop skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and early-stage project leadership.

Rotation 3: Process Transformation - Focus area in automation and cross plant standardization by gaining experience in strategic thinking, change management, ROI analysis, and influencing others.

**Your day-to-day**

The program is structured to provide assignments that gradually increase in complexity, helping you build a deep technical and leadership foundation.

Key responsibilities and developmental opportunities include:

+ 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.

This includes 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.

**What we offer**

Whirlpool offers competitive compensation and benefits, including but not limited to 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, and free financial coaching.

In the Manufacturing Leadership Development Program: Controls Engineering Track, we will accelerate your career path by offering you:

+ Diverse, cross-functional set of developmental experiences
+ Mentorship and sponsorship from senior manufacturing leadership
+ Structured development curriculum focused on leadership and technical skill building
+ Exposure and visibility to company leadership
+ Opportunities to take on leadership roles within your peer group and your team
+ The opportunity for promotion upon completion of the program

**Program Location**

Controls Engineering Development Program participants will rotate through at least two manufacturing plant locations during the program.

Our North American plant locations are in **Ohio, Iowa, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts.**

These sites produce a full line of appliances including refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, and KitchenAid portables.

Reliable transportation is required for travel to work daily as public transportation is not available.

Learn more about our Manufacturing locations and the communities where we live & work here !

**Minimum 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.

For this position, Whirlpool Corporation will not sponsor visas for candidates.
+ Must have access to reliable transportation and be geographically mobile

**Preferred skills and experiences**

+ 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

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers (http://www.whirlpoolcareers.com/) .

Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/WhirlpoolCorp/) , Twitter (http://twitter.com/whirlpoolcorp) , LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/whirlpool-corporation/life/) , Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/whirlpoolcorp/) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/WhirlpoolCorporation) .

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Required Skill Profession

Other General