Set Up Operator - 2nd Shift

Whirlpool Corporation; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Air conditioned facility

PTO up to 120 hours

Health, dental, vision, 401k

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Racine, WI seeks an experienced machine operator to set up and run heavy stamping presses and related CNC equipment. You will perform changeovers, conduct quality checks, and maintain a safe, efficient work area to maximize production flow.

The role requires power press certification, crane training, or fork truck license, with 1–3 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate can read blueprints, use precision measuring tools, and perform routine maintenance.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience operating automated presses or similar equipment.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, depth gauge).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, part drawings, and work instructions.
• Power Press certification, Overhead crane training, and/or Fork truck/PVO license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Machine Setup and Operation: Set up and operate heavy stamping presses (400-600 ton), transfer presses, and automatic/semi-automatic punch presses; perform changeovers and adjustments.
• Quality and Rework: Run trials, perform first piece inspection, and rework blemished stainless parts as needed.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform daily/weekly maintenance and troubleshoot die, tooling, and machine issues.
• Finish System Support: Operate finish and prime paint systems; monitor system parameters and maintain bath conditions.
• General Compliance: Complete safety, production, and quality records; maintain PPE and 5S standards.
• Lift and load steel coils and heavy parts using cranes/hoists and perform repetitive manual tasks.

Skills

Punch press operation

Setup experience

Precision measuring instruments

Blueprint reading

Crane/hoist operation

Education

HS Diploma or GED

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. Additional

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

This role in summary

Responsible for the mechanical set-up, safe operation, and technical configuration of various metal fabrication (stamping presses, slitting, laser/CNC), stainless steel rework, and finish system equipment. This role performs machine changeovers, executes quality checks, conducts routine maintenance, and ensures a safe and compliant work area to maximize continuous production flow.

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 (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.