Quality Engineer 3

Hexcel Corporation; Kent (AL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel Corporation in Kent, WA, is seeking a Quality Engineer III to lead quality initiatives and inspection planning for aerospace operations. You will review contracts, drawings and specifications to ensure quality plans, approve production planning for quality, first article, and inspection requirements.

You will mentor junior engineers and drive cross-functional improvement initiatives across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years in quality engineering with leadership responsibilities.
• AS9100/Nadcap experience and advanced analytics.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and strategic planning.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience; CQE a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality initiatives and inspection planning.
• Review contracts and drawings to develop quality plans.
• Create and maintain quality documentation and compliance.
• Conduct audits and drive corrective and preventive actions.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Strategic planning

Lean/Six Sigma

Auditing & containment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced lightweight composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and engineered core and composite structures. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices, and R&D centers around the globe. Become a part of the “strength within.”

Hexcel is currently seeking a Quality Engineer III for our Kent, WA location.

Are you ready to lead quality initiatives and drive operational excellence in a dynamic aerospace environment? As a Quality Engineer III, you’ll provide leadership in quality and inspection planning, change management, and Bill of Material (BOM) planning. In this role, you’ll ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability across processes and quality controls by guiding review boards, approving specifications, analyzing corrective actions, and conducting audits.

Summary pay range: $77,968 - $130,228 annual salary.

The selected individual will be responsible for but not limited to the following obligations:

• Comply with Hexcel policies, procedures, and Code of Business Conduct.
• Review contracts, drawings, and specifications to develop quality plans and inspection criteria; approve production planning for quality, first article, and inspection requirements.
• Create and maintain quality documentation to support accuracy and compliance.
• Communicate quality standards internally and externally; maintain strong customer relationships and support workforce training.
• Review and process non-conforming materials; lead corrective and preventive actions and support MRB activities.
• Conduct internal and external audits; evaluate findings and implement corrective actions.
• Lead strategic quality planning and drive cross-functional initiatives, including enterprise-level improvement and innovation projects.
• Develop and implement supplier quality strategies and global alignment programs.
• Utilize predictive analytics and digital quality systems to enhance quality performance.
• Mentor level I & II QEs and other team members; provide formal leadership in quality projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or related field required; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering with leadership responsibilities.
• Expertise in quality management systems, compliance standards (AS9100, Nadcap), and advanced analytics.
• Proven ability in strategic planning, supplier quality management, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills with a strategic decision-making mindset.
• Experience with digital transformation in quality, predictive tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and innovation mindset; proficiency in Lean/Six Sigma (certification strongly preferred).
• ASQ certifications (CQE preferred) and Certified Lead Auditor training desirable.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications, including MBD; familiarity with measurement and inspection equipment.
• Experience with composite materials and lean manufacturing is a plus.

Eligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.