Set Up Operator - 2nd Shift

Whirlpool Corporation; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Air conditioned facility

Up to 120 hours of paid time off (pror

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation seeks a skilled press operator to set up and run heavy stamping presses and related CNC equipment in its Racine, Wisconsin facility. You will perform setup changes, calibrations, and first-piece inspections to ensure quality and efficiency.

You should have HS diploma or GED, 1–3 years of experience with automated presses, and the ability to read blueprints and use precision measuring tools. Safety and 5S are essential, with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• Power Press certification and/or overhead crane training.
• 1–3 years experience in automated press operation in manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and interpret work instructions.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate heavy stamping presses and CNC equipment.
• Perform setup changes, adjustments and first-piece inspections to ensure quality.
• Inspect parts with precision measuring tools and ensure first piece approval.
• Maintain safety and 5S standards and complete production records.
• Load steel coils with cranes/hoists and assist with finish system tasks.
• Troubleshoot machines and coordinate with maintenance.

Skills

Heavy stamping presses operation

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement tools

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

CNC machinery

Crane/hoist equipment

Job description

Requisition ID: 73330

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 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.

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

This Role In Summary

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

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Machine Setup and Operation: Set up and operate heavy stamping presses (400-600 ton), transfer presses, and automatic/semi-automatic punch presses. Perform setup, changeover, and required adjustments to dies, presses, forming tools, feeds, ejection, and stacking devices using various tools, hoists, and lifts. Operate CNC laser cutting machines and other CNC machinery (e.g., Turret or Brake). Set up and operate rolling mills, cut-off shears, and slitting knives. Set up and operate automatic foam machines, including making fixture changeovers, calibration, and adjustments. Load steel coils and parts using a crane or hoist.
• Quality and Rework: Make own set-up adjustments, run trial parts, and give first piece inspection approval. Perform periodic visual and dimensional quality checks using precision measuring instruments. Rework and salvage defective or blemished stainless steel parts using craftsmanship techniques and various rework equipment (belts, grinders, buffers). Perform finishing operations such as grinding, blending, and rounding excess weld to required finish.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot die, tooling, and machine problems as needed. Perform daily and weekly preventative maintenance, including lubrication of machines, dies, and related equipment. Notify Set-Up Tech or Group Leader of inaccurate production rates or tooling that needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Finish System Support: Operate and perform duties required of finish and prime paint systems (e.g., phosphate, E-coat). Monitor, check, and record system parameters such as pressures, temperatures, chemical levels, and make necessary chemical additions to maintain bath parameters. Check and change bad hooks and hangers.
• General Compliance: Complete all required production, safety, and quality paperwork/records. Maintain safety equipment and guarding. Comply with proper PPE, 5S standards, and standard work guidelines.

Minimum Requirements

Education: HS Diploma or GED equivalent.

Certifications/Licenses required: Power Press certification, Overhead crane training, and/or Fork truck license/PVO license.

Work Experience: Previous punch press operation and/or setup experience is required. Minimum of 1–3 years of experience operating automated presses or similar equipment in a manufacturing environment.

Technical/Product knowledge: Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, depth gauge, etc.). Ability to read and interpret blueprints, part drawings, and work instructions. Knowledge of visual quality standards and basic production reporting processes.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds independently.
• Ability to lift and load steel coils and heavy parts using cranes, hoists, or manual effort as required for machine setup.
• Capability to perform repetitive manual tasks such as grinding, blending, and buffing stainless steel parts.
• Sustained physical activity including standing, bending, and reaching to operate heavy stamping presses and finish system equipment.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform precision measurements and visual quality inspections.
• Physical fitness to maintain compliance with safety standards, including the consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Skills And Experiences

Understanding of E-coat and Phosphate chemical systems is a plus.

Why should you apply?

• Air conditioned facility
• Up to 120 hours of paid time off (prorated based on start date)
• Medical, dental, vision, 401k and other benefits available immediately
• Tuition reimbursement
• Growth opportunities

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.