Automation Engineer: PLC, OEE & Data Analytics Lead

Whirlpool, Inc.; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Whirlpool employee discount

fitness & educational reimbursement

Kitchenettes

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking an Automation Engineer for our Racine, WI site to lead plant-wide automation standards and continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on developing governance for control systems, maintaining documentation, and backing up critical automation across the facility.

You will drive efficiency by analyzing machine data, managing version control, and coordinating with system integrators on project specs to meet plant standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or STEM field.
• 3+ years in an industrial manufacturing environment with PLC logic (Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI (FactoryTalk View), robotics, SQL databases, and SCADA.
• 2+ years with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP), data mapping, and enterprise data hierarchy.
• 1+ years of people leadership experience mentoring technical staff and coordinating resources.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce plant-wide automation and control standards across existing lines and new capital projects.
• Lead root-cause problem solving and continuous improvement; analyze machine performance data to reduce downtime.
• Oversee master code repositories and software configuration for PLCs, HMIs, drives, and robotics.
• Track technology lifecycles, maintain automation risk registry, and assist in 3–5 year equipment roadmaps.
• Create SQL queries and real-time OEE dashboards to translate data into engineering improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external integrators to align with plant standards.

Skills

People leadership

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or STEM field

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

SQL databases

SCADA architectures

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

Modbus TCP

Job description

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking an Automation Engineer for our Racine, WI site to lead plant-wide automation standards and continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on developing governance for control systems, maintaining documentation, and backing up critical automation across the facility.

You will drive efficiency by analyzing machine data, managing version control, and coordinating with system integrators on project specs to meet plant standards.