Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Xylem is looking for a   Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist   to help drive operational performance and Lean transformation at our   Cheektowaga manufacturing site in the Buffalo area . This is a strong opportunity for a   manufacturing engineer, industrial engineer, or continuous improvement professional   who wants to work in a visible, high-impact plant role where improvements on paper turn into measurable results on the floor.

This position supports the production of   industrial heat exchangers   serving a   rapidly growing data center market , giving the role a compelling mix of manufacturing complexity, business relevance, and long-term growth potential.

If you are energized by improving flow, increasing throughput, partnering with operations, and leading change in a real manufacturing environment, this role offers the chance to do that every day.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is not a desk-only CI role. You will spend a meaningful amount of time on the shop floor, working side by side with production teams, supervisors, and leadership to identify opportunities, solve problems, and sustain improvements. The role is ideal for someone who wants to move beyond analysis alone and directly influence how a plant performs.

You’ll have the chance to lead plant-level initiatives with visibility, ownership, and support from site leadership, while helping shape a culture of continuous improvement in a facility where hands-on engineering mindset and practical execution both matter.

What You’ll Do

• In this role, you will lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects that improve   material flow, throughput, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance . You’ll take projects from early-stage opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment, with a focus on driving measurable operational and financial results.
• You will work closely with plant leaders and the union workforce to identify process constraints, reduce waste, improve workflow, and support better day-to-day execution across the facility. This includes helping teams address bottlenecks, strengthen standard work, and build more efficient and sustainable operating rhythms.
• You’ll use   Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen tools   to solve complex manufacturing problems, while also using data and statistical analysis to support decisions and track results. Just as importantly, you’ll act as a change agent—building trust, gaining buy-in, and helping the site continue maturing its continuous improvement culture.
• This role also offers the opportunity to coach others, share best practices, and strengthen CI capability across the organization.

What We’re Looking For

• We’re looking for someone with a   Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field , along with   4+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement role .
• The strongest candidates will bring hands-on experience in plant environments and a track record of using   Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies   to improve performance. You should be comfortable using data to drive action, working across functions, and influencing both frontline teams and leadership.

This role is especially well suited for candidates who have worked in   heavy manufacturing ,   fabrication ,   industrial production , or similarly complex operational settings. Experience in a   unionized environment   is a strong plus.

We’re also looking for someone who is self-directed, pragmatic, and able to move initiatives forward with a high level of ownership. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as success in this role depends on both technical credibility and the ability to earn trust across the plant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred candidates may also have   Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification ,   PMP certification , or   ASQ credentials   such as   CQE   or   CMQ/OE . Experience with analytical tools such as   Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel   is highly valued.
• Work Environment

This role is   fully onsite   at our   Cheektowaga, NY facility   and requires a regular presence on the manufacturing floor. Approximately   25–50% of the role will be spent in the plant , supporting hands-on improvement efforts and collaborating directly with operations teams.

Why Join Xylem?

Xylem is a global water technology company focused on solving critical water challenges around the world. Joining Xylem means being part of a purpose-driven organization while also building a career in an environment where operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement truly matter.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive set of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one, paid parental leave, fertility and maternity support, paid time off and holidays, retirement savings with company contribution, tuition reimbursement, student loan support, wellness resources, employee recognition programs, and volunteer opportunities through our Watermark program.