Auto Press Operator

Whirlpool Corporation; Cleveland (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Paid time off

Medical benefits

401k

Quarterly bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Apprenticeship program

Career growth

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Cleveland, TN is hiring an Auto Press Operator to safely operate and maintain automatic power presses and related equipment. You will install dies, configure machines, run first-piece checks, and optimize processes to maximize uptime and quality.

The role requires multi-craft setup, die setting, CNC/PLC awareness, and strict adherence to safety protocols including LOTO and heavy tool handling.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of multi-craft setup and die setting in manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints, part drawings and schematics.
• Experience with CNC/PLC control systems and welding fundamentals.
• Proven problem-solving skills including root cause analysis (5Why).

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automatic power presses, load materials safely.
• Install, align, and configure stamping dies; load CNC/PLC programs.
• Set up secondary fabrication equipment and welding cells.
• Perform first-piece inspection and verify part conformance.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical issues and perform maintenance.
• Maintain 5S and document downtime and setup parameters.
• Adhere to LOTO and safety protocols; participate in continuous improvement.

Skills

Multi-craft setup

Die setting

CNC/PLC knowledge

Blueprints/prints

Precision measurement

Root cause analysis

LOTO

Forklift/Overhead crane

Heavy hand tools

Quality inspection

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Associate Degree in technical discipline

Tools

CNC/PLC control systems

Welding fundamentals

Metal forming/shearing

Machining equipment

Lockout Tagout procedures

Job description

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant

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 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional

This Role In Summary

information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

Job Summary

The Auto Press Operator is a highly skilled technical role responsible for the safe and efficient operation, setup, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of automatic power presses and related metal fabrication equipment. The primary focus is to perform complex die installation, configuration, first-piece quality assurance, and ongoing optimization to maximize equipment uptime and production quality.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Press Operation & Material Handling: Start, monitor, and stop automatic power presses, ensuring the machine runs at rated strokes per minute (SPM). Use overhead cranes or forklifts to safely load metal coils onto uncoilers and position heavy parts or dies.
• Die Setup and Configuration: Install, align, and secure stamping dies into power presses; adjust ram stroke, shut height, and feed systems to match part specifications. Load CNC or PLC programs for specific jobs and adjust parameters.
• Advanced Fabrication Setup: Set up and operate secondary fabrication equipment, including roll levelers, shears, CNC Press Brakes, CNC Turrets, and Laser Cutting systems. Set up automated welding cells (MIG, Spot, Projection), changing tips/nozzles, and adjusting parameters (current, pressure, gas flow).
• Quality & Verification: Run trial parts and grant first piece inspection approval for complex tooling changes. Perform in-depth quality validation using precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, fixed gauges, depth gauge) to verify conformance of parts to blueprints, and conduct weld destructive testing (chisel tests). Conduct frequent visual inspections for burrs, cracks, or surface defects.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Analyze, diagnose, and troubleshoot complex mechanical, die, tooling, electrical, and programming issues (CNC, PLC) to resolve equipment failures and maintain flow. Perform daily, weekly, and routine preventative/autonomous maintenance, lubrication, and execute minor on-site repairs (e.g., change punch, fix burr, adjust air pressure). Use Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) when performing adjustments/maintenance.
• Production & Scrap Management: Monitor and empty scrap bins or conveyors to prevent "slug backup." Maintain accurate counts of parts produced and document downtime, mechanical issues, and setup parameters in the daily shift log/MES.
• Safety and Continuous Improvement: Strictly adhere to light curtain protocols and two-hand control safety requirements, verifying all safety systems are fully operational. Drive process improvements using formal problem-solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, 5Why) to eliminate inefficiencies and quality defects.
• Workspace Organization: Maintain a clean 5S environment in the area.

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Education: HS Diploma or GED equivalent is required. An Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalent skilled trades coursework is strongly preferred.
• Experience & Certifications: Minimum 3–5 years of documented multi-craft setup, die setting, or technical maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment. Power Press certification, Overhead crane training, Fork truck license/PVO license, and LOTO certification are required or must be obtained within a set timeframe.
• Technical/Product Knowledge:
• Advanced proficiency in precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, depth gauge).
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, part drawings, and technical schematics/layouts.
• Working knowledge of CNC/PLC control systems, welding fundamentals, and metal forming/shearing processes.
• Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis and formal problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5Why).
• Proficiency with heavy hand tools.

Physical Requirements

• Requires continuous lifting of 1–5 lbs, frequent lifting of 5–35 lbs, and occasional lifting of 35–60 lbs. Stacking parts in containers does not normally exceed 30 lbs in weight.
• Ability to stand for 10 hours or more per day. Frequent bending and twisting is required.
• Requires use of heavy hand tools, precision measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers, depth gauge), and operation of overhead cranes/forklifts.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment requiring the use of approved Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and arm guards.

Benefits

• Up to 80+ hours of paid training
• Up to 120 hours of paid time off (prorated based on start date)
• Medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid holidays, and other benefits available immediately
• Quarterly bonus opportunities!
• Tuition reimbursement
• Apprenticeship Program(s)
• Career growth opportunities and development

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation

See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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.