Manager, Chemistry Group, R&D

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.

This position will serve as the manager of the chemistry group within R&D. The position contributes technical oversight of all group activities and embraces a hands‑on approach to laboratory analytical chemistry. As our Chemistry interface between R&D and other departments, the role provides visibility and accountability into R&D efforts towards new product release or sustainment of multiple major product lines and systems.

The role works in tandem with assigned new product Project Managers and our Sustainment Manager. Products/Projects include Life Science Biochemical Analyzers, enzyme/membrane‑based sensing technology, and environmental monitoring systems. This role reports directly to the Director, R&D – YSI.

• Provide oversight for a small team of analytical chemists by working closely with team members and taking a hands‑on approach to lead the execution of technology development into innovative products.
• Assure all laboratory operations comply with regulatory and Xylem safety standards.
• Manage day‑to‑day performance of direct reports.
• Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to direct reports on completion of goals.
• Authority to sign Engineer Change Orders and Engineering Drawings for all chemistry releases.
• Participate as a peer on the R&D Staff Management Team to provide transparency and accountability of group efforts, and communicate needs and dependencies to other development groups, sustainment groups, and project managers within R&D.
• Determine theoretical and practical limitations to sensing specifications through laboratory experimentation and R&D prototype builds.
• Properly design experiment methodology to support proof of concept and sensor validation, including FDA‑regulated validation practices and relevant consensus standard guidelines for In‑Vitro Diagnostic Devices.
• Drive efficiencies into and expand Chemistry team involvement in new product development or sustaining projects.
• Ensure chemistry‑derived documentation and deliverables satisfy the Xylem New Product Development stage/gate process.
• Collect, analyze, and publish Chemistry Group Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Metrics. Provide monthly results of KPIs to the Director.
• Achieve new product development plan objectives, including meeting required technical specifications, cost targets, and delivery on schedule.
• Assure the accuracy, clarity, internal integrity, consistency, and timeliness of all technical information submitted.
• Drive continuous improvements into scientific/engineering/manufacturing processes and policies.
• Provide interpretation, guidance, and strategies on technologies and methodologies affecting product approvals, development and continued product compliance.
• Assess and evaluate new and existing technologies that are opportunities or threats.
• Work closely with relevant cross‑functional areas to achieve overall product development success as needed (operations/manufacturing and quality, marketing and sales, customer service, finance, and technical support).
• Assume other activities and responsibilities as directed.

• Graduate degree in biochemistry, biotechnology or biochemical engineering or related scientific discipline.
• 7+ years of hands‑on engineering or science work experience in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• 2+ years supervisory experience.
• Proven ability to deliver new technology/product to the market.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Ability to multi‑task effectively.
• Participative management style that…