Sr. Project & Continuous Improvement Engineer

Hexcel; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel is seeking a Sr. Project & Continuous Improvement Engineer for its Salt Lake City, UT site to lead and deliver manufacturing improvements across safety, quality, throughput, and cost.

The role requires deep Lean/Six Sigma expertise, data-driven problem solving, and cross-functional leadership with Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, and R&D. Responsibilities include initiating CI programs, managing project pipelines, conducting trials, documenting processes, and ensuring readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field; Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute engineering and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, throughput, operating efficiency, cost, yield, and product performance for SLC Fibers/Carbon Fiber manufacturing.
• Identify process variables impacting product properties, cost, yield, quality, and performance; develop solutions using data analysis, statistical process control, root cause analysis, DOE, DMAIC, OCAP, and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Develop, prioritize, and manage a pipeline of CI, capacity, equipment, process technology, and special/critical projects from concept through implementation, including project engineering and project management responsibilities.
• Partner cross-functionally with Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Product Management, Supply Chain, R&D, and Project Engineering to align improvements, evaluate new materials/processes, and support industrialization projects.
• Design, execute, and document process trials and technology improvements; quantify impact to safety, quality, product performance, process performance, cost, yield, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain key process documentation, reports, dashboards, A3 project plans, FMEAs, Process Control Documents, operational procedures, and related work instructions in alignment with MOC requirements.
• Lead safety and operational readiness activities for modified or new equipment/processes, including MOC, PSSR, PSM, operational readiness inspections, BBS participation, and proactive safety improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, communication, and influence to cross-functional teams to drive projects to completion and foster a performance culture aligned with Hexcel safety, quality, and Code of Business Conduct expectations.
• Support project implementation outside normal business hours as needed to ensure successful startup, commissioning, and sustained results.

Skills

Lean/Six Sigma

Black Belt

Statistical analysis

SQL

Python

Power BI

Machine learning/AI

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced technical degree

Tools

SQL

Python

Power BI

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 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 Sr. Project & Continuous Improvement Engineer for our Salt Lake City, UT, location. The selected individual will be responsible for but not limited to the following obligations:

Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute engineering and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, throughput, operating efficiency, cost, yield, and product performance for SLC Fibers/Carbon Fiber manufacturing.
• Identify process variables impacting product properties, cost, yield, quality, and performance; develop solutions using data analysis, statistical process control, root cause analysis, DOE, DMAIC, OCAP, and other structured problem-solving methods.
• Develop, prioritize, and manage a pipeline of CI, capacity, equipment, process technology, and special/critical projects from concept through implementation, including project engineering and project management responsibilities.
• Partner cross-functionally with Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Product Management, Supply Chain, R&D, and Project Engineering to align improvements, evaluate new materials/processes, and support industrialization projects.
• Design, execute, and document process trials and technology improvements; quantify impact to safety, quality, product performance, process performance, cost, yield, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain key process documentation, reports, dashboards, A3 project plans, FMEAs, Process Control Documents, operational procedures, and related work instructions in alignment with MOC requirements.
• Lead safety and operational readiness activities for modified or new equipment/processes, including MOC, PSSR, PSM, operational readiness inspections, BBS participation, and proactive safety improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, communication, and influence to cross-functional teams to drive projects to completion and foster a performance culture aligned with Hexcel safety, quality, and Code of Business Conduct expectations.
• Support project implementation outside normal business hours as needed to ensure successful startup, commissioning, and sustained results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field; Materials, Chemical, or Mechanical preferred.
• Advanced technical degree is a strong plus.
• 15+ years of directly related engineering experience in an industrial or continuous process manufacturing environment; carbon fiber experience preferred.
• Demonstrated Lean/Six Sigma experience; Black Belt required based on role scope.
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis, SPC, DOE, DMAIC, root cause/corrective action, and process control methods.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, process control systems, troubleshooting equipment, and data/analysis tools; SQL, Python, Power BI, or machine learning/AI exposure a plus.
• Strong project management capability with experience leading cross-functional teams, managing multiple priorities, and delivering measurable business impact.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, statistical analysis/modeling, process control systems.
• Working knowledge of machine learning/artificial intelligence applications in process control preferred.
• Strong written communication, oral presentation, facilitation, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and operational audiences.
• 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.