Whirlpool Engineering Rotational Leadership Development (WERLD) Program Intern

Whirlpool, Inc.; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary housing at Lake Michigan

Carpool-style transportation potential

Professional development opportunities

Networking with senior leadership

Community service experiences

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation in Michigan is offering the Whirlpool Engineering Rotational Leadership Development (WERLD) internship. You will work 12 weeks on critical projects across product development, testing, and manufacturing, then potentially join the Full Time WERLD Program after graduation.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in design, testing, and process improvements, with housing support if you relocate, plus development opportunities and exposure to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with plans to graduate by May 2029.
• Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering/Science, Mechatronics, Materials Science or relevant engineering field.
• Current cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
• Must have indefinite US work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Developing, testing, and implementing new product and system designs that satisfy consumer, trade partner and business needs.
• Designing and conducting test programs for components, systems, or materials to achieve performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Applying robust design tools and a consumer-centered focus to innovative designs.
• Analyzing and evaluating test data to identify and solve technical issues.
• Collaborating with engineers, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, business partners, and customers.
• Learning and applying LEAN and Six Sigma principles and techniques.
• Contributing to technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and design reviews.

Skills

Engineering theory

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Problem solving

LEAN/Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Chemical/Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics/Materials Science or related engineering field

Job description

Requisition ID: 72607

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.

The Internship Program - May 2027 Start Date

The Whirlpool Engineering Rotational Leadership Development (WERLD) program is our longest running program, started in 1989. WERLD is focused on developing a strong engineering foundation and leadership skills in order to prepare participants for the variety of career paths. Over a 12 week period, interns in this program work on critical projects focused on products and engineering processes in the different stages of product development - from research and development all the way to manufacturing. Our interns own critical projects tied directly to Whirlpool’s global product portfolio and bottom line.

Upon successful completion of the summer internship program, you may be considered for employment opportunities within the Full Time WERLD Program post-graduation.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation & paid holidays
• Complimentary apartment-style housing at Lake Michigan College if relocating 50 miles or more
• Potential to qualify for complimentary carpool-style transportation
• Robust professional development and skill-building opportunities such as continuous improvement training, career exploration sessions and cross-functional case competition
• Networking & exposure to senior leadership
• Community service experiences
• Social & recreational events

Program Location

Work out of our corporate campus in Southwest Michigan, which includes several technology centers as well as a research and design center. Learn more about our locations here. Take advantage of pristine beaches, a thriving art scene, and lush countryside in our location along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Whirlpool provides complimentary housing at Lake Michigan College for interns who live 50 miles or more from Benton Harbor, MI.

Your day-to-day

• Developing, testing, and implementing new product and system designs that satisfy consumer, trade partner and business needs
• Designing and conducting test programs for components, systems, or materials to achieve performance, cost, and quality targets
• Applying robust design tools and a consumer-centered focus to innovative designs
• Analyzing and evaluating test data to identify and solve technical issues
• Collaborating with engineers, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, business partners, and customers
• Learning and applying LEAN and Six Sigma principles and techniques
• Contributing to technical documentation, including specifications, test reports, and design reviews

Minimum Requirements

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with plans to graduate by May 2029
• Majoring in: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering/Science, Mechatronics, Materials Science or relevant engineering field
• Current cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Must have indefinite US work authorization. Applicants who require visa sponsorship or work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for this program.

All candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be asked to complete our online assessment as a next step in the recruitment process

Preferred Skills and Experiences

• Ability to apply engineering theory to practical problems and demonstrates technical ability through project experience (internships, research, design projects, relevant club participation)
• Collaborates effectively in team environments, ideally with proven leadership experience from campus or community activities and organizations
• Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and professionally to diverse audiences
• Approaches complex problems with a critical thinking and systems engineering mindset
• Proactive and results-oriented, with a drive to take ownership and deliver high-quality outcomes
• Influences others effectively, inspiring buy-in and followership for ideas and initiatives

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.