Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

Xylem•Cheektowaga, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Xylem is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive operational performance and Lean transformation at their Cheektowaga manufacturing site. This role is ideal for a manufacturing or industrial engineer who wants a visible, high-impact plant position where improvements lead to measurable results. The position supports the production of industrial heat exchangers for the growing data center market, offering a blend of manufacturing complexity, business relevance, and growth potential. The role emphasizes hands-on work on the shop floor, partnering with production teams, supervisors, and leadership to identify opportunities, solve problems, and sustain improvements. It offers the chance to lead plant-level initiatives with visibility and ownership, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement in a facility that values both engineering mindset and practical execution.

Requirements

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.
Track record of using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to improve performance.
Comfortable using data to drive action.
Ability to work across functions.
Skill in influencing both frontline teams and leadership.
Experience in heavy manufacturing, fabrication, industrial production, or similarly complex operational settings.
Self-directed, pragmatic, and able to move initiatives forward with a high level of ownership.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a unionized environment.
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.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects to enhance material flow, throughput, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
Manage projects from opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment, focusing on measurable operational and financial results.
Collaborate with plant leaders and the union workforce to identify process constraints, reduce waste, improve workflow, and support day-to-day execution.
Assist teams in addressing bottlenecks, strengthening standard work, and building more efficient and sustainable operating rhythms.
Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen tools to solve complex manufacturing problems.
Employ data and statistical analysis to support decision-making and track results.
Act as a change agent by building trust, gaining buy-in, and maturing the site's continuous improvement culture.
Coach others, share best practices, and strengthen CI capability across the organization.