Problem solver Appetite for learning pushes engineer to find production solutions By Nathan A. Hulings and photo by Gail Hanusa BOEING FRONTIERS / SEPTEMBER 2013 11 Dino Go is an engineer for Boeing Research & Technology, supporting Commercial Airplanes in Everett, Wash. In this Frontiers series that profiles employees talking about their jobs, Go explains how he creates value for the company by helping solve problems. As a 767 program support engineer, it’s my job to frequently interact with mechanics, engineers, production managers and others to understand and diagnose material and process-production challenges. It’s my obligation to constantly ask myself if the solution I provide creates value for the company. After identifying issues, I can figure out a solution away from the production line and not create disruptions. We have the opportunity with Boeing Research & Technology to step aside and do projects that other support groups may not have time to work. I have to be a good listener and keep an open mind when I engage with my customers. Say, for example, a mechanic approaches me about finding a better or safer tool for his or her job. After our conversation, I’ll research available tools on the market and maybe even buy a few to test. We will then have a demonstration, recommend the tool to the Manufacturing organization and, if all goes well, add it to the toolbox. And if there’s nothing available on the market that solves our problem, it’s often BR&T’s job to work a solution from scratch—and that’s any engineer’s dream. I must be willing to spend time on the production floor and inside the shops. Frequently, I act as a facilitator between my BR&T colleagues and my customers. I don’t mind asking seemingly simple or mundane questions, because it’s my job to find the answer to each and every problem I encounter, big or small. There are many things I do to help Boeing build better airplanes—and find better ways to build them safely and more efficiently. When a mechanic and I noticed that the 767’s low-hanging cargo door could become a safety problem during production, I thought about how drivers take notice when they see the flashing lights and sirens of police cars and ambulances. With that idea in mind, I helped implement stick-on flashing LED lights to alert workers of the door so they could safely continue assembling the plane. It’s a simple, inexpensive, safety-focused solution that could easily be used anywhere in the company. I also had a hand in finding out about the Halosensor, a device that takes out the guesswork of drilling pilot holes on wings. Before, workers had a manual tool that was not as accurate, with the end result sometimes requiring timely and expensive rework. Now, mechanics can look at a screen with a crosshair that turns green once the hole is found. It was first used on the 747 and got great feedback. And by working with several engineers and mechanics from various Commercial Airplanes organizations, we were able to help replicate use of the device. Now, wings on not just the 747 line but also the 737, 767 and 777 lines use the Halosensor. The work I do is rewarding. Every day, I witness how my contributions directly affect the people and programs I support, and I get tremendous satisfaction from the positive comments I receive. The cooperation and support from my colleagues in BR&T and across the company make me better equipped to solve problems, no matter how difficult they may be. The opportunity to work on these challenges, along with the appreciation of my customers, makes my job personally fulfilling. n nathan.a.hulings@boeing.com
Frontiers September 2013 Issue
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