Vice President, R&D - Americas

Vice President, R&D - Americas

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advance composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and engineered core. 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 Vice President, R&D - Americas for our Salt Lake City, UT, USA location. As Vice President, R&D – Americas, you will lead the Americas Research & Development organization and play a pivotal role in transforming bold ideas into commercially successful solutions. This role sits at the intersection of science, creativity, customer collaboration, and execution.

In this position, you will set the innovation agenda for the region, translating customer needs and market trends into differentiated products. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, partner directly with customers, influence global strategy, and champion a culture of innovation and accountability.

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

• Lead the Americas R&D organization, including people, facilities, portfolios, and budgets.
• Drive new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Serve as R&D site leader for the Salt Lake City laboratory.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Product Management, and Supply Chain teams.
• Engage directly with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Balance near‑term business needs with long‑term technology strategy.
• Mentor and develop high‑performing technical.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field (PhD strongly preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in composites, resin systems, or structural materials.
• Proven record of delivering innovative products.
• Strong customer, business, and global leadership acumen.
• Ability to travel up to 20-35% of the time domestically and internationally.

This position is restricted to U.S. citizens due to U.S. government contract regulations that require the employment of only persons who are U.S. citizens. 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.