How I scored my dream job in aerospace

Louise Lee has found her happy place — a job that’s never boring and where she can work with aircraft. Here’s what she did to score her aerospace engineer job.

Louise Lee, Engineer, Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program, Boeing Defence Australia

Louisa Lee, 25, was asked to reveal how she scored her aerospace job. This is what she said:

Title:

Engineer, Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program, Boeing Defence Australia

Where do you work?

I am an engineer on the Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program (ACEASP) at RAAF base Amberley. The program provides engineering, maintenance, logistics and operations support services for the RAAF fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.

Why did you decide to join the aerospace industry?

In my second year of university I decided that aerospace was the most exciting engineering stream. It’s about applying mechanical engineering skills and principles to new and complex systems. It is an industry that is always pushing the boundaries in technology to go faster and further.

Also, working on an air base means I get to see amazing aircraft every day. I never get tired of hearing the roaring sound of a Super Hornet flyover or the powerful grace of a C-17 Globemaster launching into the sky. Aerospace is such a huge industry with many exciting career paths.

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What did you study?

I studied for six years and now have a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Aerospace) and a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics). I have always had an inquisitive mind for solving problems and figuring out how things worked. I think that is what drives my passion for engineering.

How did you join Boeing?

I joined through the Boeing Defence Australia summer vacation student program over the 2014/15 Christmas holidays and worked casually as a student until I finished my studies. I was then offered a full-time role when I graduated.

No two days are the same in my job. I could be down in the hangar inspecting the aircraft, or at my computer drafting a structural repair or modification for the maintainers to incorporate. My main focus is on providing technical engineering support to ensure aircraft availability and fleet readiness.

What are your career goals?

Last year I travelled to Seattle on a personal holiday to visit Boeing’s Everett site. While standing in the largest manufacturing building in the world, I set myself a goal to work for Boeing in the US. I want to be a part of Boeing’s F/A-18F Service Life Modification program, which is based in St. Louis, Missouri. The program will modernise and extend the life of the United States Navy’s Super Hornet fleet.