Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist
About The Position
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. At Xylem, we’re united by a shared purpose: solving water challenges worldwide. As a global water technology leader, we create innovative solutions that help communities and industries transport, treat, analyze, and use water more efficiently. We’re looking for a Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist to join our team in Auburn, New York and play a key role in advancing operational excellence across our production facility. This is an opportunity for a driven improvement leader to make a visible impact by leading strategic initiatives, strengthening Lean capabilities, and helping shape a culture of continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll partner across functions to improve workflows, reduce waste, solve complex operational challenges, and deliver measurable results in cost, quality, and productivity.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- 1–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment using continuous improvement methodologies to deliver measurable business results.
- Strong understanding of Lean and CI tools.
- Experience managing project plans for large-scale initiatives.
- Ability to work effectively in dynamic or evolving environments.
- Confident leading change.
- Confident influencing cross-functional teams.
- Confident communicating clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
- Commitment to continued professional growth, including pursuit of advanced Lean or Six Sigma certifications.
Nice To Haves
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Lean certification.
- Experience in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing such as machining, assembly, or welding.
- Experience in a unionized environment.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Project and Visio.
- Experience with VBA programming or database querying.
Responsibilities
- Lead high-impact efforts that improve performance and build long-term capability across the site.
- Work closely with leaders and frontline teams to identify opportunities, implement practical solutions, and sustain results.
- Lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects.
- Streamline manufacturing and business processes.
- Drive initiatives focused on labor reduction, waste elimination, inventory optimization, and cost savings.
- Facilitate kaizen and rapid improvement events.
- Apply Lean Six Sigma tools to solve root-cause issues.
- Support teams in removing barriers to performance.
- Serve as a change agent across the organization by influencing stakeholders, challenging outdated practices, and helping foster a mindset of continuous learning and operational excellence.
Benefits
- Medical coverage beginning on day one
- Dental coverage beginning on day one
- Vision coverage beginning on day one
- Paid parental leave
- Fertility support
- Maternity support
- Paid time off
- Company holidays
- Retirement savings with company contribution
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student loan support
- Emotional wellness resources
- Employee recognition programs
- Opportunities to give back through volunteer initiatives like our Watermark program
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
