Supplier Quality Engineer

Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and additive manufactured parts. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices and R&D centers around the globe. Hexcel is currently seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer for our Kent, WA location. Overview 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 Lead technical review boards, approving specifications and quality plans, evaluating corrective actions, and conducting supplier audits. 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 with Purchasing and Buying teams to evaluate supplier capability, support sourcing decisions, establish quality flow‑down requirements and integrate supplier quality considerations into procurement activity. Use 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 a related field (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. Benefits The Total Rewards package includes competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities, as well as a range of benefit programs such as health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and various paid and unpaid time‑off options. Specific programs and options may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire and collective bargaining agreements. Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement 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. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence the state of Washington, or persons admitted in refugee status or granted asylum. #J-18808-Ljbffr