Supplier Quality Engineer

hexcel; United States; On-site; USD 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel in Kent, WA is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to lead quality plans, supplier audits, and process improvements for aerospace manufacturing. You will collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to qualify suppliers and ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, data-driven supplier performance, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or quality 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.

Responsibilities

• Define supplier-oriented quality plans, inspection criteria, and supplier documentation.
• Lead supplier audits, containment, root-cause analysis, and CAPA activities.
• Coordinate with Purchasing/Engineering to qualify suppliers and align on quality requirements.
• Develop supplier quality strategies and global alignment programs.
• Monitor supplier performance with metrics and predictive analytics.
• Mentor junior QEs and lead supplier development projects.

Skills

Quality engineering

AS9100

Nadcap

Supplier quality methods

Leadership

Communication

Data analytics

Lean/Six Sigma

CQE

Lead Auditor

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Digital quality tools

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.