Application Guide

How to Apply for Sr Software Developer

at Xylem

🏢 About Xylem

Xylem is a global leader in water technology, dedicated to solving the world's most critical water challenges through innovation. Working here means contributing to sustainable solutions that conserve and reuse water, making a tangible environmental impact while leveraging cutting-edge tech.

About This Role

As a Sr Software Developer, you'll modernize legacy PHP/Perl applications and build new backend services, APIs, and AI agents to enhance data accessibility and decision-making. Your work directly supports Xylem's mission by improving internal tools and automation for water conservation efforts.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing tickets to modernize a legacy Perl script that processes water quality data, then collaborate with data scientists to design a new API for a predictive maintenance tool. After lunch, you could prototype an AI agent to automate report generation, ending the day with a code review for a Python service handling sensor data ingestion.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Xylem

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Xylem Is Looking For

  • Experienced in modernizing legacy PHP and Perl codebases, with a proven track record of refactoring without disrupting operations.
  • Proficient in Python, Go, or Java for building scalable backend services and APIs, and comfortable working with data workflows.
  • Excited about developing AI agents and automation to accelerate decision-making, with some hands-on experience in AI/ML integration.
  • Passionate about sustainability and water conservation, eager to apply technical skills to environmental impact.

📝 Tips for Applying to Xylem

1

Highlight specific examples of modernizing legacy PHP/Perl applications, including techniques used and outcomes (e.g., performance gains, reduced technical debt).

2

Showcase any experience building AI agents or automation tools, even if small-scale; mention frameworks like LangChain or RPA tools.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize backend engineering (APIs, services, scripting) over frontend or full-stack work, as this role is backend-focused.

4

Research Xylem's water solutions (e.g., smart metering, analytics) and mention how your backend skills could improve their data workflows.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with legacy modernization to Xylem's need to evolve older systems for sustainability goals.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your experience with PHP/Perl modernization and how it aligns with Xylem's need to upgrade legacy systems.", 'Highlight your backend development skills (Python, Go, Java) and any work with APIs, data pipelines, or automation.', "Express enthusiasm for building AI agents to solve real-world water challenges, showing understanding of Xylem's mission.", 'Mention specific Xylem initiatives (e.g., intelligent water systems) and how your technical contributions could drive impact.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Xylem's latest sustainability report to understand their water conservation goals and how technology supports them.
  • → Explore their product lines like Flygt, Wedeco, or YSI to see where backend systems and data integration are critical.
  • → Look into Xylem's recent acquisitions or partnerships in digital water solutions (e.g., EmNet, Visenti) to gauge their tech direction.
  • → Check out their engineering blog or case studies on digital transformation to find relevant technical challenges.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you modernized a legacy PHP or Perl application. What challenges did you face and how did you ensure minimal downtime?
2 How would you design a backend service to ingest and process real-time sensor data from water infrastructure?
3 Describe your experience with AI agents or automation. Can you give an example of a decision-making tool you built?
4 How do you approach refactoring code that has no tests? What strategies do you use to maintain stability?
5 Xylem is focused on sustainability. How would you ensure your backend solutions are energy-efficient or resource-conscious?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't ignore the legacy PHP/Perl requirement; if you lack experience, don't bluff. Instead, show transferable skills from similar modernization projects.
  • Avoid generic cover letters; failing to mention water/sustainability or Xylem's specific mission can seem disinterested.
  • Don't overemphasize frontend or full-stack experience; this role is backend-focused, so keep the narrative on services, APIs, and data.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Xylem!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →