Pros
Overall, the benefits package is competitive. The office also provides a refrigerator that is generally stocked with a variety of soft drinks, and complimentary coffee and tea are available for employees.
Cons
Where to begin…
If your ideal role is updating existing designs and reusing established work, this position may be a good fit. Much of the work involves modifying or copying existing models rather than developing new designs. Large assemblies are generated using Smart Assembly, and even the impeller geometry is largely, if not all, created through Smart Assembly. As a result, there are relatively few opportunities to apply creativity or solve complex design challenges.
One of the more difficult aspects of the role is the organizational structure. Product Engineers with long tenure should possess valuable experience, but institutional knowledge is not well documented, making it challenging to navigate both legacy and newer product lines. Information is often inconsistent depending on who you ask.
Cross-functional collaboration can also be frustrating. There appears to be a noticeable lack of trust between departments—particularly with Sourcing—which often slows communication and decision-making. I also found interactions within the Design Engineering department to be less collaborative than expected.
From a long-term perspective, job security is something I would carefully consider. There has been ongoing discussion about expanding engineering support in India, including design engineering functions. Given that another nearby Xylem division was ultimately closed after its work was transitioned to India, it’s difficult not to view that as a potential indicator of the Xylem Custom Pump long-term direction.