Deep Dive: What I Did

Introduction

Throughout the summer of 2026 I interned with Boeing South Carolina in the Mid-Body Innovation Cell (IC). It has been an engaging experience to learn about how production systems that have been running for years can still be improved day in and day out. I was able to actively contribute to many projects and help teach/learn from rotational technicians in the IC.

All images are sources from publically available material.

Image from NYT.

I started by working some smaller projects that were more simple shop-aids that assisted specific technicians in specific functions. This was a good intruduction to the factory setting compared to Firefly in the spring, and got me introuced to Catia and Enovia in terms of project management. Boeing South Carolina's airport campus is the production hub of the 787 Dreamliner and is separated into aft-body, mid-body, and final assembly. I worked specifically in the mid-body section (shown below). While working my projects I was also able to talk with engineers across various disciplines and backgrounds to learn what I want to continue into next summer.

Image publicly available.

Throughout the second half of the summer I worked alone for a good portion as the IC was in-between rotational programs. This was really benefecial to me as I got to have a large amount of ownership over each project. Despite this, I did find there were some processes throughout the program that could have been streamlined which was frustrating knowing how things could be moving faster. It was really awesome to learn from a ton of industry experts on why such processes were in place though.

Image from USA Today.

By the end of the summer I had got all my projects to a completed state and was able to help train in some of the incoming rotators. I was also able to submit 12 of my projects for invention disclosure which will either be recognized with a patent or kept as industry secret. This was also really awesome to be able to meet with some of Boeings patent team and learn how Boeing keeps there spot in industry. Overall I had a good summer but want to move into a faster-paced environment for future internship experiences.