R&D Engineer - Ultrapure Water

Xylem; Tewksbury (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision plan

401(k) with company contribution

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Xylem is seeking an experienced R&D Engineer – Ultrapure Water to develop, test, and validate next-generation water treatment technologies. The role emphasizes hands-on operation of laboratory and pilot-scale systems, focusing on UV and EDI tech and data-driven engineering decisions.

You will plan experiments, troubleshoot tests, and collaborate with global teams to improve test methods and data quality while ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Water Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years in water treatment, pilot operations, lab testing, process engineering, or related technical environments.
• Experience with ultrapure water systems.
• Knowledge of UV, EDI, membrane, or advanced water treatment technologies.
• Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining pilot, laboratory, or skid-mounted systems.
• Strong technical problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments while maintaining accurate technical records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Commission, operate, and maintain ultrapure water test rigs and pilot systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to evaluate equipment performance.
• Lead hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret technical data to support engineering recommendations.
• Develop test plans, protocols, technical reports, and project updates.
• Collaborate with global teams across R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Service.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, equipment reliability, and data quality.
• Ensure all testing activities are conducted safely and in accordance with quality standards.

Skills

Hands-on troubleshooting

Data analysis

Technical problem-solving

Communication skills

Experiment planning

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering/Water Technology

Tools

Ultrapure water systems

UV technologies

EDI technologies

Job description

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.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced R&D Engineer – Ultrapure Water to support the development, testing, and validation of next-generation water treatment technologies. This is a highly hands‑on role focused on operating and improving laboratory and pilot‑scale test systems, with initial emphasis on UV and Electrodeionization (EDI) technologies.

What You'll Do

• Commission, operate, and maintain ultrapure water test rigs and pilot systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments to evaluate equipment performance.
• Lead hands‑on testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret technical data to support engineering recommendations.
• Develop test plans, protocols, technical reports, and project updates.
• Collaborate with global teams across R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Service.
• Identify opportunities to improve test methods, equipment reliability, and data quality.
• Ensure all testing activities are conducted safely and in accordance with quality standards.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Water Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in water treatment, pilot operations, laboratory testing, process engineering, or related technical environments.
• Experience with ultrapure water systems.
• Knowledge of UV, EDI, membrane, or advanced water treatment technologies.
• Hands‑on experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining pilot, laboratory, or skid‑mounted systems.
• Strong technical problem‑solving and data analysis skills.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments while maintaining accurate technical records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience commissioning or starting up new equipment.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, sensors, and process systems.
• Experience collaborating with international teams.

The estimated salary range for this position is $110k to $130k base plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re‑use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well‑being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affinity workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation