Job Summary:

Seeking a part time Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the R&D (Research and Development) organization responsible for technical domain expertise of Ion Exchange Membrane, injection molding, and plastics. This expertise will be leveraged to stabilize, improve, and expand our portfolio of ion exchange membranes. The expertise around plastics and injection moldign will be leveraged to improve part and product design. The SME will leverage these skills and functions to drive cost reduction, product performance enhancement, and New Product Development and Introduction (NPD/NPI). Role includes guidance of engineers, scientists, and technicians in a lab and office environment based in Tewksbury, MA. Work closely with product management to execute the development roadmap and work closely with production to expand supply chain and performance. Drive technical differentiation, expertise, intellectual property all with the goal of growth and expansion of product portfolios. Role is focused on our Electro-Dionization (EDI) product families. 

Essential Duties/Principal Responsibilities:

• Drive technical differentiation of products through mechanical design, process improvements, material changes, generation of intellectual property
• Mentor engineers and scientists to broaden team knowledge of membrane and plastics and develop the next generation of SME’s
• Support the growth of the EDI product family through NPI, VAVE (Value Engineering), and application expansion
• Manage stakeholder communication and expectations relative to projects and goals
• Understand key application, and performance needs/requirements and impacts to product performance and product design
• Adapt/improve products for specific market needs aligned to product roadmap
• Act as technical advisor to supply chain and R&D teams
• Support expansion of our testing footprint and capabilities

Additional responsibilities:

• Generate novel IP including patents, trade secrets, invention disclosures
• Generate internal technical documentation (reports, memos, etc) and external technical documentation (technical papers, conference presentations, technical bulletins)
• Contribute to continuously improve applicable processes
• Support/lead/mentor other R&D team members, where needed

Key qualities to be successful in role:

• Strong leadership skills to support, motivate, and inspire the team
• Adaptive to change, such as how to do things, behaviors and new expectations to be able to deliver more efficiently.
• Clear communication abilities, internal and external
• Active listening to make sure to understand needs raised.
• Cross functional collaboration capabilities and include all functions expected to deliver.
• Act as a role model according the Xylem leadership behaviors.
• Solution oriented. Be able to resolve difficult technical and business issues. Be a self-starter with high motivation to achieve goals.
• Flexibility in terms of dealing with changing priorities and dealing with multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics, or Engineering. 
• Extensive experience required with Ion Exchange membrane fabrication (SME)
• Extensive experience with plastic material selection, plastic part design, and troubleshooting (SME)
• Extensive experience with injection molding, mold tool management, troubleshooting (SME)
• Extensive experience with extrusion of composite materials, equipment management, troubleshooting (SME)
• Prior management experience working with new technology and/or product development
• Experience working with water treatment products and technologies
• Experience with electro-membrane or electro-chemical treatment a strong plus
• Experience working in an international environment in a global matrix organization desired
• Fluent in English; multi-lingual capabilities desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information

• Some travel may occur.
• Role is part time – expectation is 10-20 hours per week
• Role is based in Tewksbury, MA and some hybrid remote/WFH is allowed.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It shall not be viewed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Xylem reserves the right to modify this job description or require that other tasks be performed as required by the business or job circumstances. (for example, but not limited to, personnel changes, technical developments, business needs, etc).