Quality Engineering Technician

Requisition ID: 71370 

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 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. 

Job Summary

This role is a technical expert responsible for ensuring product quality and compliance throughout the entire product lifecycle, from design analysis and raw materials inspection to finished goods testing and post-launch performance. The Supplier Quality Engineering Technician designs and executes quality protocols, performs detailed product evaluations (including life testing and dimensional analysis), leads root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects to enhance product durability and manufacturing process stability, and manages the associated quality documentation and data systems.

Essential Functions

Inspection, Testing, and Compliance:

• Monitor, inspect, and evaluate in-process materials, components, and finished products to ensure compliance with internal and external safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• Perform tests, inspections, and detailed tear-down evaluations of production units and field-returned units (RGAs/CAL failures) to determine the cause of failure.

• Perform routine and layout inspections of purchased parts, including operating CMMs and advanced precision measurement instruments, and conducting Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility (GR&R) studies and Capability Studies.

Quality Systems, Documentation, and Data:

• Develop and update quality and testing documentation, including test cases, plans, flaw-reporting procedures, SOPs, Control Plans, and PFMEAs.

• Document and compile observation data for future analyses; apply statistical techniques (e.g., Control Charting, DOE) to troubleshoot manufacturing and supplier processes.

• Manage and maintain test case procedures and implement automated testing processes when possible, utilizing company data systems (e.g., WHOM, AODocs).

Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead active problem-solving initiatives using formal methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3, 5Why) to identify the root cause of product quality issues and production-related process problems.

• Drive quality improvement/corrective actions, make recommendations to improve product durability, and support the implementation of Continuous Improvement (CI) and WCM initiatives (e.g., S&P Matrix, 5S).

• Analyze product design for stability and quality, and estimate product lifespan to proactively prevent design flaws.

Process and Supplier Support:

• Act as a resource to manufacturing departments to assist with measurement systems, including setting up and interpreting control charts.

• Interact with Engineering, Assembly, and Quality areas to evaluate Supplier quality issues, disposition non-conforming material, and coordinate rework, containment, and return of defective material.

• Provide data and support for engineering activities such as Process Capability Studies, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Product Design & Testing, including supporting New Product Integration (NPI) vertical start-up activities.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, and reach during the course of product inspection and monitoring production processes.

• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers for fine manipulation, operating testing equipment, and entering data.

• Must have sufficient visual acuity, including close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus, to read technical documents (blueprints/schematics) and perform detailed component inspection.

• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials or product samples weighing up to 35 pounds.

• Ability to work in a typical manufacturing or laboratory environment, which may involve exposure to moderate noise and vibration, and varying temperatures.

Required Qualifications

Education and Technical Experience

• High School Diploma or GED is required. An Associate's Degree in an Engineering or Technical field is preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing, quality, or technical maintenance role.

• Must be able to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.

• Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, A3, 5Why) and formal problem-solving methodologies.

• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement (CI), Lean principles, and WCM tools (e.g., Kaizens, 5S, SOPs/Standard Work).

Software and Communication Skills

• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides) and Microsoft Excel.

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or Oracle is preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with all levels of the organization and external suppliers.

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.