Feature Story

Boeing/Wilson Chow

At Boeing's Moscow office, nearly 1,200 engineers work on all of Boeing's commercial airplanes programs.

From Russia with engineering love

For many Boeing engineers, there's nothing more gratifying than watching their design take flight.

Boeing/Wilson Chow

Boeing engineer Elena Kovaleva (center) leads her team through a design process.

"It's really a good moment for us," said Yulia Gladkikh.

As the wheels of the first 747-8 Freighter lifted off the runway for the first time back in February, 2010, Gladkikh was one of several thousand people who watched Boeing's newest jet climbed into the sky.

"I was happy and I was crying a little bit," Gladkikh recalled.

That moment was even more special for Gladkikh since she traveled more than 6,000 miles (9656 kilometers) from Moscow, Russia where she works as a structures engineer at the Boeing Design Center (BDC).

Nearly 1,200 engineers work at the BDC, specializing in structures detailed design and stress analysis. They're part of Boeing's global workforce of more than 159,000 employees in 70 countries.

"It's the best moment of our lives when we see our baby plane fly away." Yulia Gladkikh, Boeing Design Center engineer

Currently, the BDC engineers are focused on Boeing's commercial airplane programs, especially the new development airplanes - the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental.

Boeing/Wilson Chow

Engineers at the Boeing Design Center in Moscow, Russia specialize in structures detailed design and stress analysis.

Deborah Limb, director of structures engineering, said the BDC provides good, reliable engineering support and surge capacity.

"Having the BDC has enabled Boeing to support more commercial airplane projects at the same time." said Lamb

And for many of the engineers working on those projects, no matter where they are in the world, the pride in their work shines through.

"It's the best moment of our lives when we see our baby plane fly away," said Gladkikh. "It's a great show."

Last Updated: January 4, 2011 | Comments (1)