Materials, Process and Physics Engineer

Berkeley, Missouri

I've always been fascinated with finding the cause to an issue. It's the foundation of my passion, and one of the reasons why I've aspired to be the best technical engineer I can be. But I'm finding that I can fuel this passion even more when I help people, which is why I want to be a leader.

With Boeing's assistance, I was able to earn an MBA through the Learning Together Program. This MBA has made me a better engineer. It challenged me from day one and I've been applying it every day.

In addition to my professional career, I'm growing through the volunteer work I do. I'm now a board member of a foundation focused on raising money to build clinics in remote areas of Ghana, my childhood home. It's made up of a diverse group of individuals, and this diversity has given me a broader perspective and greater appreciation of the strengths of each person.

Leadership to me is serving. I'm serving in my volunteer roles, as a mother and every day when I come to work.

Supplier Quality Field Representative, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Tel Aviv, Israel

My career has led me on a roundabout journey where I've had opportunities in everything from manufacturing to high tech. But my biggest opportunities came after I joined The Boeing Company.

Joining Boeing was a stroke of good luck. I am still amazed by how much Boeing continues to invest in me and my career with resources, training and opportunities for advancement. For example, I was recently given the opportunity to participate in the Transition to Management course offered at the Boeing Leadership Center. This class transformed my understanding of what management is about and what skills are necessary to be a manager. I also realized that a big part of being a leader is mentoring and teaching, and this is where I find my greatest passion.

My calling at Boeing is to continue to put my leadership skills to use on the job by assisting, training, and mentoring both colleagues and suppliers alike.

Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leader

El Segundo, California

Shortly after middle school my mother took me to her work in a factory to persuade me to pursue a college education and a life different than her own. It certainly had that effect and more.

After high school, I moved across the country to attend MIT as a single mom. During my summers, I returned to California to see family and work as a Boeing intern in El Segundo. After graduation, I joined Boeing and have worked on several projects within BCA and BDS, including serving as Integrated Product Team lead and shop floor supervisor.

In 2009 I returned to MIT, this time as a Boeing-sponsored student in the Leaders for Global Operations program and earned an MBA and a master's in engineering.

I give back by being involved with organizations that empower young women to pursue a higher education in STEM. For me, a satisfying career comes from knowing there's an investment in one's development and that hard work is rewarded with opportunities for growth.

Manufacturing Engineering (ME) Manager

Seattle, Washington

In seventh grade I wanted to take woodshop but it was full. The principal suggested since I was a girl I should take sewing or cooking. I had other ideas. I signed up for drafting, which led me to a career at Boeing.

I've had many different roles at Boeing. I've worked technical and business projects for both our military and commercial business units. Today I work on Advanced Developmental Composites (ADC) as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

After many years in metal structures, everything in composites is exciting. It's like starting over. And this is something that I've had the opportunity to do at Boeing throughout my career.

Boeing's tuition assistance program — Learning Together Program — helped me earn my BS degree and MS certificates. I'm currently studying composites. I always tell new employees that Boeing allows you to move around and try new things. You can reinvent yourself again and again.

Structural Analysis Engineer

Everett, Washington

For me, it started with a car. A 1987 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Learning how to fix that car and working on it with my dad drove my desire to work with my hands. And that's why I became an engineer.

When I was a sophomore in college, I joined Boeing's Learning Together Program. This cooperative education program let me alternate semesters between Boeing and school. While with Boeing in St. Louis, I worked on defense projects supporting the military, and I really enjoyed it. My projects included the Space Shuttle, the Harpoon Block III Missile, and the EA-18G Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft. This let me see different areas of the company and figure out what I wanted to do.

Today, I'm working on the 787 Dreamliner and also pursuing a master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics.

I'm busy, but I still haven't forgotten about the Camaro. I spend more time goofing around with it than driving it. And when I moved out here, I made sure to get an apartment with a garage.

Manager, High Performance Work Organization

St. Louis, Missouri

When I was 17, I knew I needed to change where my life was headed.

My first big break came when I started a job as a desk clerk in a company that processed airplane parts. That position didn't last long, but I moved to a factory position and my career in aerospace was born. Today— with hard work and help from key mentors— I am a first-level manager in Boeing's high performance work organization.

The turning point in my career came when my manager told me he saw potential in me. He encouraged me to use the Learning Together Program to go back to school. I also engaged several other mentors to help shape a career path that exposed me to new areas of the company, while earning my degree.

Today, I'm motivated by my work, my goals, my future, my mentors and mentoring others.

F/A-18 Core Avionics Team Engineer

St. Louis, Missouri

It seems like I've always flown F/A-18s. I started on a flight simulator game when I was a teenager, and now I'm working on upgrading the avionics systems on F/A-18s to make sure they're ready for anything.

After high school, I joined the National Guard and attended college on the G.I. Bill. I joined Boeing soon after my tour with the Guard. My military experience has definitely helped me at Boeing when working with customers — I understand the culture because I've been there.

Today, I'm pursuing a master's degree in engineering management as part of the Learning Together Program. Also, I chair the local REACH chapter and help employees with five years or less at Boeing network and connect.

Since my dad worked at Boeing, I always envisioned that I would land at Boeing one day as well. And I continue to seek out assignments that are outside of my job to help prepare me for my next step.

Business and Planning Manager, 787

South Carolina

I've always loved numbers, even as a kid. It was because of my interest in math and science that I was drawn to Boeing after college.

I started my career as a business analyst for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) in St. Louis. Very early on, I was given some advice from a senior director that encouraged me to be flexible and engage in a diverse set of experiences.

By pursuing a generalist path, I was led to many different opportunities and positions. I was even nominated for the Enterprise Auditor Program by my manager.

The EA program was a whirlwind of activity and became one of the best experiences in my professional career. It led me to my current position, and one of my goals - a management job with Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) in South Carolina. I aspire to reach the next level in management, and I look forward to the relationships that I will build in the future at Boeing.

Planner for Manufacturing Engineering

Charleston, South Carolina

I've always had a fascination with aviation and the mechanics behind it. It was all I aspired to as a young boy working in a bike shop. And it's what later led me to start my career in the Air Force.

When I left the service, I returned to my hometown in South Carolina to pursue a career in restaurant management. It was during this time that I heard about Boeing South Carolina, and I knew I had to return to aviation.

I'm now working on my “Five-Year Plan.” One key part of this plan has been my involvement with Global Corporate Citizenship (GCC) and the 2012 Earth Day observance for all of Boeing. It has really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and become a mentor to others as they become involved.

My philosophy is simple. Be persistent and aggressive in seeking out opportunities to get involved. Any time I take on a project, I don't want to just make it - I want to excel at it.

Applied Mathematician

Renton, Washington

I love math. I studied it in college and then avidly looked for a career where I could apply my knowledge. In 2008, I joined Boeing as a supply chain analyst on the 787 line, where I was able to use my skills.

But I wanted even more. With the Learning Together Program at Boeing, I was able to start earning a Master's degree in Statistics and later landed a job within Commercial Aviation Services (CAS) as an Applied Mathematician.

I completed my degree in three and a half years. Now, I'm married with a family and a house. It's not always easy to juggle it all - I've found you have to be dedicated, focused and self-motivated.

At Boeing, you can further develop your skills and make a long-term plan that works for you. The Learning Together Program is just one of the terrific benefits offered to employees. I'm still deciding on my next step, but I do know that education and hard work open the door to opportunity and choice.

Quality Systems Specialist

Everett, Washington

When I was still in diapers, my mother took me to a doctor to check my hearing. Her suspicions were confirmed: I had been born deaf. I quickly learned to read lips and soon found it easy to “speak” with my parents using American Sign Language.

Growing up, I mostly attended regular schools. However, I attended Gallaudet University, a college for the deaf, where I earned my degree. I joined Boeing in 2007 as a member of the 787 Quality team.

When I witnessed the 787 Dreamliner take off for the first time in 2009, I was proud that my work was part of a historical moment. And I felt honored to receive the “Employee of the Year Award” from Careers & the disABLED magazine this year.

It is awesome to represent Boeing at diversity career fairs. My goal is to bring qualified candidates with disabilities to the company. English is a second language to me, and I feel challenged to improve my communications skills – and I’m determined to help others.

F/A-18 Resource Estimator

St. Louis, Missouri

When I was 8 years old, I took apart and then put back together our family VCR. This curiosity with technology and gadgets is what led me to a career in engineering.

After earning a degree in electrical engineering, joining Boeing in St. Louis was a natural fit. Just a few months later, with help from the Learning Together Program, I started working towards a master’s degree and doctorate while working full-time.

Today, I am part of the two-year Engineering Skills Rotation Program (ESRP). And in my free time, I love speaking to high school and college students about opportunities in STEM fields. I think it’s so important for them to have a long-term and short-term plan.

I’ve been lucky to have great mentors at Boeing who helped me to find myself in the company. I’m now interested in gaining commercial airplane experience. And eventually, I’d like to combine my defense and space experience and education to lead a program from beginning to end. That’s my ultimate career goal.

Boeing Senior Technical Fellow, Boeing Research & Technology

Auburn, Washington

I’ve worked with metals for my entire life, and I was lucky to get started with Boeing as a tool and die-maker when I was 19. Now, I spend my days working with titanium, one of the most challenging metals on earth – but some of the best stuff out there for jet engine fan blades and aircraft frames.

I credit my accomplishments to hard work, education and the knowledge that I learned on the shop floor. After years of part-time school, I was able to earn an engineering degree. Later, with Boeing’s Learning Together program, I also gained a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering. Today, I feel honored to hold the title of Boeing Senior Technical Fellow.

I stay active with the schools because I can’t say enough how important it is for us to find talented people. I tell the students, “You know, I’m just amazed that they pay me to do something that’s so much fun and that’s so adventurous.”

Structural Analysis Engineer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Everett, Washington

My parents emigrated from Mexico, and they always stressed the importance of education. When I was little, I marveled at airplanes. And after spending a summer at engineering camp, I knew that's what I wanted to do.

When I earned my degree in Metallurgical and Material Science Engineering, I was the first in my family to graduate from college. Then, I joined Boeing in 2005 and haven’t looked back.

Today, I’m one of three stress engineers working on future wide-body airplanes. In product development, we determine what tomorrow will look like. There aren’t many places where you get to do that!

I love to share my passion for engineering and diversity with others. Inspiring the next generation of engineers as a mentor is a personal commitment of mine. So many people have helped me along the way. Now, I feel I have the greatest job in the world — and it’s my turn to return the favor.

Associate Technical Fellow with Boeing Research & Technology

Bellevue, Washington

I've always loved math and enjoyed what math can do. For example, I worked with the KC-46A Tanker team to develop an algorithm to determine the number of airplanes needed to execute a refueling schedule. I am also working with Commercial Airplanes' Supplier Management to develop optimization algorithms being used to improve our raw material contracts with mills. We are starting to explore extending this technology to reduce fastener costs for an airplane.

When I joined Boeing, I learned about the Technical Fellowship, which gives technical people like me a career path that includes project management and team leadership, while maintaining a technical focus with minimal administrative overhead. Not only do I work on exhilarating projects, but it's exciting to work for a company that is the leader in its industry and really knows how to multiply the power of mathematicians.

Material Planner

Singapore

As a child, I was awestruck watching planes take off and wondering what it took to keep them flying safely. Right after high school, I became a technician with the Republic of Singapore Air Force and later worked with Singapore Technologies Engineering.

I decided to join Boeing around the same time that I began pursuing a degree in supply chain management. And they helped my dream come true with tuition assistance through the Learning Together Program.

At Boeing, I've found a broader, more challenging work environment. It takes me outside my comfort zone and provides more opportunities. I'm now working towards a graduate degree in business administration.

I spend my days training to run in marathons and learning as much as I can to develop my leadership skills. To me, leadership is about understanding team dynamics identifying individuals and working together to bring the best out of the team. I hope I have the chance to one day lead a team here.

Boeing Business Career Foundation Program

Seattle, Washington

After completing an internship in flight services, I joined Boeing full-time in their Business Career Foundation Program (BCFP). I get to take part in six different rotations over two years, and I've already worked on a variety of assignments since graduating with a business degree from The Ohio State University.

At first I was apprehensive about applying for the program because it seemed very finance focused. Now, I'm really glad I did. BCFP has given my career a broad foundation in several areas across the company.

Throughout my first year, I fine-tuned my analytical skills and grew my interests. Right now, I'm focused on developing a communications and branding plan for the People Team.

The support I receive here is one of the best benefits. I get to work alongside other recent graduates, and I'm introduced to new managers and leaders each day. Boeing has become so much more than a job for me. I couldn't have made a better career move, especially right out of college.

Global Diversity & Employee Rights Specialist

Wichita, Kansas

I come from a Boeing family. My husband, father, brother, sister, aunt and cousins have all found careers here, and I’ve spent over 32 years in a variety of roles, most of them in Human Resources.

Over the years, I’ve learned to set goals and challenge myself, and help others along the way too. Boeing also helps its employees continue to achieve more through things like the Learning Together program – which helped me earn a Ph.D. in Organization and Management.

When I’m not busy working or learning, I love to watch thrillers and detective movies. As a Global Diversity & Employee Rights specialist, my job at Boeing is a little like being a detective, too. Each day, I have to take all of the small pieces and put them together to see the bigger picture. Equal Opportunity is all about fairness, and I am able to help ensure that everyone at Boeing has a chance to contribute their best – that’s what makes my job so rewarding.

Human Resources Generalist

Mesa, Arizona

Growing up in a largely African American family in Los Angeles, I was always keenly aware of the American Indian blood on my father’s side. When I was 25, I finally made a trip out to the Creek Indian Reservation in Oklahoma – a trip I’ve repeated annually for the past 28 years.

After my first trip, I committed myself to learning more about my Native American heritage. I never realized how much I connected with this side of my family until I went through diversity training at Boeing. I soon became inspired to make a career centered on understanding and promoting diversity and inclusion for all.

Today, I am an HR generalist at Boeing and part of the Mesa Diversity Council. And I’m proud to have served as President of the Mesa chapter of the Boeing American Indian Society affinity group.

I love being able to share the value of diversity at Boeing and in our community. In the future, I plan to continue to ensure that different points of view are voiced, understood and leveraged for the benefit of all.

Technical Fellow, Flight Sciences – Loads & Dynamics

Everett, Washington

After being diagnosed with Stargardt's disease and losing my central vision, I was classified as legally blind. But my condition doesn't stop me from achieving the goals I set for myself.

I earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mechanical engineering and now serve as a Boeing Technical Fellow. In my career, I've worked on the design and certification of many commercial airplanes, including our new 787 Dreamliner. I really enjoy the technical side of engineering. I received a patent for large engine vibration alleviation and have two other patents pending. In 2011, I was honored with the Steven M. Atkins Ability and Achievement in Science, Engineering and Technology Award from SAE International, at a ceremony in France.

I can read using my peripheral vision with magnification software and other tools provided by Boeing. They give me the support I need to leverage my differences as strengths. And I'm just one of many — Boeing works hard to tap into the various cultures, talents and perspectives of all of our employees.

Senior Manager, Research and Technology

Tukwila, Washington

When I was 12 years old, I was inspired by a booklet on Boeing. This sparked a dream to one day work for the company. After 15 years here, I love Boeing just as much as when I was a child.

I could not be happier about where my career is headed and much of this is due in part to Boeing's career advancement programs, like the Leadership Excellence Acceleration Program (LEAP). The program was an eye-opener for me because you get to meet executives and I found that a lot of them had to learn their leadership skills — just like I was doing.

Later I took the Transition to Management course at the Boeing Leadership Center, which led me to an open management position. Learning to put myself in uncomfortable situations was one of the best lessons these programs taught me.

It's been a journey, but I'm still passionate about airplanes and aerospace. Every day, I am excited to go to work and continue learning how to become the best leader.

Senior Organization Effectiveness Consultant

Everett, Washington

I’ve always been an “airplane guy” – I worked on commercial and military aircraft programs for 10 years before I went to graduate school, through Boeing’s Learning Together Program, to study organization development.

I enjoy helping leaders see things from a different point of view, so it changes how they approach a problem.

Work cultures can be complex, so I keep my advice simple. Recently I worked with the team developing the KC-46A tanker for the U.S. Air Force. Team members come from different business cultures, and I helped them appreciate that each culture is designed to be successful in its own environment. Once they understand their peers and themselves better, a team makes better decisions.

That’s what Boeing is all about: people who bring their knowledge and perspectives together to develop the best solutions. If you understand people’s viewpoints and accept people’s differences, you can take advantage of the strengths that we all bring.

Senior Manager, V-22 Osprey Program

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of my earliest memories is sitting on my father’s shoulders watching the planes come into LAX. It was this moment that sparked my curiosity about what makes things fly – and led me to an exciting, diverse and rewarding career.

After high school, I followed in my father’s footsteps and joined the Navy. Four years later, I moved on to a career with Boeing working on the 747-400. My career here has been filled with surreal moments – from getting to inspect Air Force One to my current position with the V-22 Osprey program.

The best advice I was given along the way was to further my education. The Learning Together Program at Boeing helped me achieve both my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees. Juggling school, family, work and deployment with the Navy wasn’t easy, but my degrees opened many doors for my career.

Today, I enjoy mentoring and sharing my three major career tips – get in the classroom, grow your resume and grow your life experience. Boeing is full of opportunities—you just need to take advantage of them!

Director of Information Technology Development and Training

Seal Beach, California

When I was younger, I was reminded daily that there are no boundaries to what you can achieve. Because of this, I have always been open to new experiences and challenges.

I entered the IT field in an unusual way — almost by luck, sitting outside a career fair waiting for a friend. After speaking with the tech people walking by, I learned that one of my strengths was explaining complex technology in language that others could easily understand.

At Boeing, I lead the team responsible for training and developing the IT talent pipeline at every level. I draw on my ability to pull together diverse people and show them that being inclusive can lead to more success. Our hard work paid off, as we were able to migrate 100,000 devices and every BCA engineer to Microsoft 7 — all without disrupting their work.

My secret is to always be open to learning, to trying new things, to listening to others. This has helped me find success in life's choices and in my career.

Manager, Specialized Services

St. Louis, Missouri

My parents moved our family from Pakistan to Nigeria to Kansas when I was in grade school. Their decision to relocate halfway around the world was driven by better opportunities. Today, this decision still pushes me to make a difference.

Early on, I was able to turn my experience as a foreign child in American schools into powerful insights about how valuable diversity can be. I've been able to use this awareness throughout my career at Boeing — it's helped me shape the environment I work in.

At Boeing, sharing our perspectives and experiences helps all of us on the team. And I think the key to success is having leadership that recognizes that those differences are opportunities to capitalize on.

It was an honor to be recognized with the Diversity Change Agent Award and to accept the Process Improvement Award on behalf of the EO&T Diversity and Inclusion Council. I feel like I've finally come full circle. In the future, I hope to continue helping others become more aware.