Director, Software & Electronics System Integration Operations Leader

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 The Director of Software & Electronics System (SES) Integration Operations Leader is a key transformational role within the Product Organization. This position leads portfolio & project planning, operations, and cross-functional execution to deliver high-quality, cost-competitive product leadership solutions. The role drives strategic cost and quality initiatives across all appliance categories, ensuring seamless SES integration of final manufactured products from concept through full-scale production. The leader will manage complex system-level trade-offs, cultivate robust business and category partnerships, and transform and build high-performing engineering talent pipelines. This position requires operating across a matrixed, cross-functional organization (including Marketing, Design, Platforms, Software, Hardware, Procurement, Quality, and Senior Leadership) and serves as a future growth to senior leadership roles. ## Your responsibilities will include * Program/Project Operations and Execution, requiring a software & electronics system leadership background * Deliver high-quality, cost-competitive product leadership solutions that satisfy stakeholder requirements & consumer expectations * Serve as the primary operational interface connecting appliance category teams, component suppliers, and global manufacturing plants * Seamless integration of software and electronics systems into final manufactured products from concept through production (new and existing products) * End-to-End system integration management, including tracking, processes, and tools. * Manage system-level trade-offs within established architecture guardrails (balancing function, form, cost, quality, and delivery schedules) * Responsible for efficient & optimized resource usage with end-to-end ownership drive * Build a diverse, high-performing engineering organization and maintain a succession pipeline * Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders (marketing / business, UX, platform categories, hardware, software teams) to solve problems and meet business/customer needs * Lead global teams, coach and mentor team members * Serve as a technical liaison among project managers, developers, and stakeholders ## Minimum requirements * Demonstrated track record of leadership in software and electronics systems * Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline * 10+ years of comprehensive product engineering experience spanning both hardware and software domains * Hands-on experience with embedded product development alongside mobile apps & cloud services * Proven experience leading architecture, design, development, and system testing to enforce rigorous standards of quality, cost, safety, reliability, and performance * 5+ years of technical program management experience delivering multi-discipline engineering initiatives * 10+ years of experience leading global teams * Strong technical acumen & end-to-end product development experience * Experience with IoT and connected product platforms * Experience working with electronics & components suppliers / external vendors ## Preferred skills and experiences * Excellent communication skills * Deep hands-on experience delivering end-to-end products covering system architecture, software, and hardware * Experience with service oriented architecture * Experience leveraging AI tools and automated workflows to increase operational velocity and efficiency * A proven history of establishing short and long term goals and leading teams to deliver results * Experience with Agile development and testing * Experience managing and building high performance teams * Ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders on the product delivery and transformation journey * Experience with consumer service solutions is a plus ## 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. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday. 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. #LI-JW1 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.