Boeing since birth: Daughter’s career gives family a lift
A V-22 project manager inspired by her father’s Boeing career builds her own with the company’s Vertical Lift team.
Megan Graefe, a V-22 project manager, has a Boeing history that predates her career at the company. For Graefe, born and bred in the City of Brotherly Love, the Boeing Philadelphia site — home of iconic aircraft like the tiltrotor Osprey and the tandem-rotor Chinook — is a familiar place.
“I have memories of attending Philly Family Day when I was younger, which I’m sure influenced my decision to work here,” Megan said. Her father, David Graefe, worked at Boeing Philadelphia for 24 years before his retirement. However, the father-daughter duo never graced the site at the same time.
Megan’s dad went the route of Information Technology, while his daughter explored multiple avenues. Once a Boeing Finance intern in South Carolina, she then pursued a role with the company’s Business Skills Rotational Program, landing her a role in Everett, Washington.
Hovering over success
Megan’s Vertical Lift career began in 2018, with several project management roles for the V-22. In her current position, she works to support the V-22 Osprey CC-RAM (Common Configuration – Readiness and Modernization) program upgrading the U.S. Marine Corps Osprey variant, the MV-22.
“What I love most about V-22 is the ability to have so many different experiences within one program,” Megan said. “I’ve done everything from software development on the V-22 Product Development team to working in the delivery center. I’m grateful to my dad, who introduced me to a great company filled with opportunities.”
To date, thanks to the problem-solving skills of team members like Megan, Boeing has upgraded and delivered 10 of 25 aircraft to the Marine Corps, with additional deliveries scheduled through 2024.
By Quinn Marciano
