Boeing is shifting the remaining 787 Dreamliner engineering work from its Puget Sound facilities in Washington to North Charleston, South Carolina, continuing a long-term consolidation of the program there. This move, announced last week after a Jan. 29 union meeting, has sparked concerns among SPEEA union members about job impacts.
Key Timeline
Union reps met Boeing on Jan. 29, receiving assurances of no near-term changes to work or jobs. The next day, the relocation news hit, affecting roughly 300 engineers per reports—no timeline or layoff guarantees provided yet.
Boeing’s Rationale
The company emphasizes co-locating engineers with 787 production in South Carolina to support rate increases (aiming for 10 planes/month by 2026). They’re hiring in both regions: Puget Sound for 737 work, North Charleston for 787 ramp-up, following 2021 assembly consolidation and recent $1B+ expansions creating 1,000+ jobs.
Union and Local Views
SPEEA awaits details on transitions and rejected layoff protections; no non-union impacts confirmed. South Carolina benefits economically, with Boeing’s workforce there hitting 9,000+ in 2025 amid global demand.
