Supplier Quality Engineer

Hardware FYI; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Hexcel is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer for our Kent, WA location. The role focuses on leading supplier quality activities, including inspection planning, change management, BOM configuration control, and supplier process validation to ensure AS9100 and customer requirements are met.

Responsibilities include audits, corrective actions, and cross-functional collaboration with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to improve supplier performance and product integrity at

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or quality-related field is required; Master’s preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, Nadcap, and supplier quality methodologies.
• Experience with PPAP/APQP processes and risk-based supplier management.
• Proficiency with digital quality tools, data analytics, and supplier performance metrics.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification strongly preferred; ASQ CQE and Lead Auditor training desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define supplier quality plans and inspection criteria; maintain supplier quality documentation.
• Communicate quality standards to internal teams and suppliers; foster cross-functional relationships.
• Review non-conformances, lead containment, root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and ongoing surveillance; support supplier approvals and re-qualification.
• Lead supplier-focused strategic quality planning and cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Develop supplier quality strategies and global alignment programs.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to align quality requirements with procurement decisions.
• Utilize supplier metrics and predictive analytics to drive performance.
• Mentor junior QEs and oversee supplier development projects.

Skills

Quality leadership

AS9100 knowledge

PPAP/APQP

Supplier audits

Data analytics

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/quality

Master’s degree preferred

CQE certification 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 Supplier Quality Engineer for our Kent, WA location.

You will support advanced aerospace manufacturing operations and lead supplier quality activities including inspection planning, engineering change management, BOM configuration control, and supplier process validation to ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements. You will work closely with Purchasing/Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to qualify suppliers, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include leading technical review boards, approving specifications and quality plans, evaluating corrective actions, and conducting supplier audits. This role is ideal for a technically strong quality professional who thrives in cross‑functional environments and is motivated to improve supplier performance and product integrity at scale.

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 define supplier-oriented quality plans, inspection criteria, and incoming verification requirements; maintain supplier quality documentation.
• Communicate supplier quality standards and expectations to internal teams and suppliers; foster effective customer and supplier relationships.
• Review and disposition supplier non-conformances; lead containment, root-cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions; support MRB activities related to purchased materials.
• Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and ongoing surveillance; evaluate audit results, ensure corrective action closure, and contribute to supplier approval and re-qualification decisions.
• Lead supplier-focused strategic quality planning and cross-functional initiatives related to risk mitigation, compliance, and supply chain capability improvement.
• Develop, refine, and implement supplier quality strategies, supplier development plans, and global alignment programs.
• Collaborate closely with Purchasing and Buying teams to evaluate supplier capability, support sourcing decisions, establish quality flow-down requirements, and ensure integration of supplier quality considerations into procurement activity.
• Utilize predictive analytics, supplier metrics, and digital quality systems to monitor and enhance supplier performance.
• Mentor lower-level QEs and provide leadership in supplier development projects and supply chain quality improvement efforts.
• Support enterprise-level continuous improvement, innovation initiatives, and alignment to regulatory and industry standards.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or related field required; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, Nadcap, compliance requirements, and supplier quality methodologies.
• Experience with supplier development, PPAP/APQP-based processes, and risk-based supplier management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills; ability to drive supplier accountability and cross-functional alignment.
• Proficiency with digital quality tools, data analytics, predictive methods, and supplier performance metrics.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification strongly preferred; ASQ certifications (CQE preferred) and Lead Auditor training desirable.
• Ability to interpret drawings/specifications (including MBD) and familiarity with precision measurement/inspection methods.
• Experience with composite materials and lean manufacturing is a plus; strong SPC/statistical problem-solving skills preferred.
• Purchasing or buyer experience preferred.
• Qualified candidate must be a US Person.

At Hexcel, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Hexcel also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Please note that the salary information shown above represents the wage range set at the time of posting. Salaries may ultimately be based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations that arise after posting.

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.