• Manager, Product Design

    Whirlpool Corporation (Benton Harbor, MI)


    **Requisition ID:** 69400

     

    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 team you will be a part of

     

    DESIGN supports Whirlpool’s vision to "Be the best kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home, and in the world."

     

    We inspire lasting engagement, product leadership, and meaningful experiences at home and for our world. We do this on a foundation of empathy, innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship, with people at the center of our process.

     

    In our 5 global studios we have more than 100 designers in dedicated teams of Graphic Design, Color Material and Finish, Craftsmanship, Industrial Design, Trends Forecasting, User Interaction, Motion Graphics, Usability, Design Research and Studio Engineering.

     

    This role in summary

     

    As a Lead Studio Engineer you will need to partner with Engineering, Manufacturing and Brand Studio Design staff across all product categories. We will look to you for leadership in the development of great-looking, innovative products that are feasible from an engineering and manufacturing standpoint. The role demands consistency across product categories and an ability to work with others to develop engineering solutions that support operational excellence across all products and that our customers will ultimately prize.

     

    We expect you to have a keen knowledge of technological advancements in materials and processes and a strong ability to propose, champion and lead innovative solutions and ideas. You will also keep a clear focus on Craftsmanship in all product feasibility discussions and decisions.

    Your responsibilities will include

    + Create Creo Aesthetic models and master assemblies (with embedded ‘Class A’ surfaces) that capture the design intent for handoff to engineering departments.

    + Resolve structural, mechanical, and/or electrical configurations.

    + Take a leadership role in the position of affecting a convergence on final design approach.

    + Integrate design intent, engineering specifications, and marketing requests into product designs.

    + Resolve manufacturability, cost, and aesthetic issues.

    + Provide expertise and leadership for engineering feasibility, and the change management of class-A surface programs, together with the Lead Surface Engineer and Lead Industrial Designer.

    + Leadership in product/process critiques, with regard to engineering feasibility.

    + Responsible for the studio engineering activity for the designated project.

    + Responsible for the technical integrity of the design product.

    + Support and assist the Industrial Designers with the development of products.

    + Grow and maintain effective partnerships between design and internal process partners.

    + Support the build of models and show properties with technical expertise

    + Supervision of studio engineers attached to designated projects with accountability for the quality of the work being performed.

    + Ability to delegate and divide work for larger projects with oversight to the performance of each team member.

    + Ability to take on multiple major projects at once, balancing the needs and deliverables to the organization.

    + Review design layouts, including packaging and human factor information.

    + Track all issues on projects through the design process.

    + Assist in the gathering and distribution of technical data, guidelines and standards.

    + Communication of program, design or engineering changes that affect the design of the product.

    + Organize digital or digitized data. Ensure it is transmitted to engineering departments at suitable milestones.

    + Active member with the core team for planning, resourcing and scheduling.

    + As a member of the studio core team, responsible for the performance of the studio.

    + Assist in the development of studio engineering processes within the Whirlpool Product Development Process.

    + Engineering support for improvement recommendations regarding Craftsmanship.

    + Represent all design disciplines and capabilities (SE, 3D, ID and Craftsmanship)

    Minimum requirements

    + A four year mechanical engineering degree or equivalent degree and eight + years related experience.

    + Or, two year technical degree and ten + years related experience.

    + Or, twelve + years engineering experience.

    + Or, engineering design certificate and eleven + years related experience.

    + At least 5 years experience in studio engineering is preferred.

    + Related Experience is within Automotive, Aerospace, Appliance, Consumer Products industries.

    + 5+ year’s in product design activities working with industrial designers, engineers, vendors in new product development.

    + Strong 3D modeling skills utilizing Creo, Catia, Solidworks, etc. **Creo preferred.**

     

    Experience in developing class “A” surfaces could be an additional advantage.

     

    + Experience in steel fabrication (folded, stamped, machined and cast steel parts) and plastic production processes (injection, co-injection, two-shot injection molding, in-mold laminates, blow molding and vacuum forming, plastic vibration welding).

    + Capable of leading product/process critiques within Studio teams.

    + Ability to create multiple technically feasible solutions in upholding aesthetic product direction.

    + Understanding of Craftsmanship and application to product.

    + Capability of creating advanced mathematical surfaces in the design of aesthetic components, ensuring design cost and manufacture parameters adherence.

    + Take responsibility for leading studio engineering activity on multiple projects providing technical leadership and inputs from engineering and manufacturing departments.

    + Planning and coordination of outsource studio engineering activities.

     

    What we offer

     

    Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We apply ‘always on’ flexibility to all work days. You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. Employees in this role work in person Monday through Thursday with the option to work remotely on Friday.

    We offer other flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

    + **Flexible Friday** - Option to work extra hours Monday through Thursday to finish up work early on Friday.

    + **Two-Week Work Remote 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.

     

    Connect with us and learn more about the endless opportunities at Whirlpool Corporation

     

    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.