Boeing presented me with many fantastic opportunities to learn about applying engineering to product design. During my first two years with the company, I participated in a two-year rotation program which allowed me to tailor my learning experiences to the area I am passionate about, product design to improve people's lives. My first rotation focused on designing systems to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury for mechanics on the shop floor. I also had the opportunity to look at how policy and culture effect safety from the start of the design process during my rotation through the Environment, Health, and Safety organization. My final rotation experience, which also turned into my full time position, allowed me to work on designing a flight deck that meets the ergonomic needs of the crew.
The most important aspect of my time at Boeing was the mentors I have surrounded myself with. My mentors in human factors, ergonomics, and engineering have accelerated my ability to put the user at the center of my design and work through challenging technical problems. They encouraged me get my certificate in Human Factors and Ergonomics Engineering from Penn State and also helped me discover new rotation positions in which I would learn the most. In a nutshell, the people I have surrounded myself with and the experiences I've had at the company have allowed me to jump start my career in improving people's lives through product design.
By the Numbers:
Patents: 2 (Mobile Seat Systems that Utilize Seat Tracks, System for Protecting Against Laser Light)
Invention Disclosures: 7
Years Worked: 4
Positions Held: 6
Engineering Career Foundation Program
A two year rotaiton program in which participants gain experiences in all phases of the product lifecycle through 5-6 rotations.
Ergonomics Technology & Safety
Reimagined the ergonomics of manufacturing through tool design for the shop floor and research into the potential to allow humans to work through robots; removing them from hardful tasks.
P-8 Tooling for Final Assemlby
Designed tools and processes needed to ensure the factory ran smoothly using techniques such as 3D printing, CAD modeling, foam molding, and process mapping.
Environment, Health, & Safety Engineering
Examined the culture and best practices surrounding design for safety, incorporating ergonomics into a design from day one.
Airplane Health Management
Introduced User Centered Design best practices to reimagine the way in which we present data to our customers.
Flight Deck Engineering
Placed the comfort and safety of pilots at the center of our designs through ergonomic evaluations and rigorous product testing.