Cycle Design Lead Engineer

What the role needs

• Requisition ID: 73649
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering
• 5+ years of product development experience in the Appliance Industry or Consumer Products industry, including engineering delivery for a major project launch
• 5+ years of experience with product performance optimization, including development, implementation, and validation of algorithms in conjunction with software and hardware process partners
• Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering
• 10+ years of product development experience in the Appliance Industry or relevant Consumer Products industry, including engineering delivery for multiple major project launches
• Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex engineering trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders and tailor messages by audience
• Proficient technical knowledge in core engineering tools and processes, including stage gate product development, Design for Safety, Systems Engineering, FMEA, problem solving, and continuous improvement
• Proven experience leading successful initiatives including cross-functional process partners
• Ability to mentor and coach junior engineers to support the development of a technically rigorous talent pipeline
• Certification in Operational Excellence / Six Sigma, including use of OpEx tools in delivery of project objectives
• Strong knowledge of Regulatory (e.g., DOE) requirements with demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal regulatory process partners

From the employer

Requisition ID: 73649 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 Whirlpool is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Cycle Design Lead Engineer. This is an onsite role at our St. Joseph Technology Center in Michigan. The Cycle Design Lead Engineer will be a key technical expert within the Laundry Engineering Performance Subsystem. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for the delivery of algorithms, cycles, and performance optimization, ensuring compliance with global requirements and seamless integration with component modules for new and existing laundry products. This engineer will work to develop, optimize, integrate, and validate laundry appliance algorithms in conjunction with technology partners to deliver consumer relevant product attribute performance for laundry products. Your responsibilities will include • Lead development of algorithms, logic, and cycle design for Residential and Commercial laundry products • Own Performance attribute strategy and Cycle Design module, collaborating with software, electronics hardware, and adjacent platform modules to deliver optimized system performance • Drive deployment of Cycle Design roadmaps, including complexity reduction, attribute requirements, and cost & quality initiatives • Characterize the critical module parameters that contribute to system level attribute requirements (functional decomposition) and capture knowledge required to deliver module-level excellence • Develop an understanding of laundry appliance physics with a key focus on thermal / fluid dynamics that govern system performance • Drive new product design from concept through execution, including Advanced Development and Production Development projects • Develop multiple concepts and utilize Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design Verification Plans (DVP), risk management tools, and OpEx / Six Sigma methodology in making trade-off decisions for performance attributes • Mentor junior engineers in the Cycle Design team for technical project delivery and competency development • Manage communication and collaboration with key cross-functional stakeholders for the development of performance attribute claims and messaging, including product marketing, brands, legal, V&V, and labs • Support Regulatory product compliance for NAR and other countries where NAR products are marketed through collaboration with Government, Safety, and Regulatory partners • Translate the Voice of the Consumer into Engineering product requirements to enable product leadership Minimum requirements • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering • 5+ years of product development experience in the Appliance Industry or Consumer Products industry, including engineering delivery for a major project launch • 5+ years of experience with product performance optimization, including development, implementation, and validation of algorithms in conjunction with software and hardware process partners Preferred skills and experiences • Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Science Engineering • 10+ years of product development experience in the Appliance Industry or relevant Consumer Products industry, including engineering delivery for multiple major project launches • Strong communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex engineering trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders and tailor messages by audience • Proficient technical knowledge in core engineering tools and processes, including stage gate product development, Design for Safety, Systems Engineering, FMEA, problem solving, and continuous improvement • Proven experience leading successful initiatives including cross-functional process partners • Ability to mentor and coach junior engineers to support the development of a technically rigorous talent pipeline • Certification in Operational Excellence / Six Sigma, including use of OpEx tools in delivery of project objectives • Strong knowledge of Regulatory (e.g., DOE) requirements with demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal regulatory process partners • Strong knowledge of software and software development processes What we offer Generous benefits package , Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required). Additional information Whirlpool’s Ways of Working Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including: • Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. • Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year. • Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service. 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. #LI-JR1