Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the Role

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

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects that improve material flow, throughput, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance
• Take projects from early-stage opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment, with a focus on driving measurable operational and financial results
• 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
• Help teams address bottlenecks, strengthen standard work, and build more efficient and sustainable operating rhythms
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen tools to solve complex manufacturing problems
• Use data and statistical analysis to support decisions and track results
• Act as a change agent—building trust, gaining buy-in, and helping the site continue maturing its continuous improvement culture
• Coach others, share best practices, and strengthen CI capability across the organization

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement role
• Hands-on experience in plant environments and a track record of using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to improve performance
• Comfort using data to drive action, working across functions, and influencing both frontline teams and leadership
• Experience in heavy manufacturing, fabrication, industrial production, or similarly complex operational settings (strongly preferred)
• Experience in a unionized environment (strong plus)
• Self-directed, pragmatic, and able to move initiatives forward with a high level of ownership
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with both technical credibility and the ability to earn trust across the plant

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• PMP certification
• ASQ credentials such as CQE or CMQ/OE
• Experience with analytical tools such as Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel

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.

Compensation

The estimated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is based on factors including experience, skills, and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.

Benefits

• 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
• Volunteer opportunities through our Watermark program

Additional Information

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 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.