A lot can change in just two years.
That’s what Matt Huff discovered after leaving Boeing to pursue a career in the commercial space industry. The former U.S. Air Force member said he wanted to work in an environment where he was given greater autonomy to drive critical projects.
What Does Boeing Do?
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for organizations across more than 150 countries.
Huff kept in touch with colleagues and watched Boeing from the outside. After some time, he realized that what he was looking for was actually back at Boeing.
“One of the big things was the way employees are respected by the company,” he shared in an interview posted on Boeing’s website. “It’s the atmosphere, hearing how people feel more empowered to speak up.”
His second employee orientation reinforced that impression. Boeing’s updated values were presented in plain language and linked to everyday work, making it easier for employees to see how expectations and behaviors were shifting. “The new values were written in a way people can connect with — they matched how people here actually work,” Huff said.
According to Huff, coming back to Boeing felt like “going home.”
What Boeing Says About Its Core Values
- Safety and Quality: Safety is the foundation of everything they do, and they deliver quality at every step, every time.
- Trust: They do what they say they will do. They work with integrity and build trust by consistently meeting their commitments and communicating transparently with customers, colleagues and stakeholders.
- People Focus: Their global team is their greatest asset. They invest in and care for their people, and they treat each other with respect even when they disagree.
- Ownership: They hold themselves and each other accountable for delivering excellent products and services.
- Innovation: They see challenges as opportunities. They are curious, creative and explore new ideas that move the company and industry forward. They honor the company’s legacy while creating their own.
Outside of the office, Boeing’s commitment to its new values is visible, too.
Late last year, Boeing partnered with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange Limited to successfully complete the industry’s first parts shipment accompanied by a digital 8130-3 certificate, an electronic version of the Federal Aviation Administration-governed 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificate. This digital certificate advances supply chain security by preventing unapproved spare parts from entering the aerospace aftermarket, underscoring Boeing’s focus on safety and quality.
“This industry-first shipment reflects Boeing’s dedication to pursuing game-changing solutions through teamwork and partnership,” William Ampofo, senior vice president for Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services, shared in a statement. “Together with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange, we are transforming how the industry ensures part authenticity and supply chain security.”
What Engineers Work on at Boeing
Since his return to Boeing, Huff works as an engineer on several Boeing Additive Manufacturing projects, which involves tackling difficult technical challenges and delivering solutions that support programs across the organization — opportunities he had been searching for in his career.
On a daily basis, Huff works on everything from satellites to space systems to airplane components.
“Boeing not only ‘does cool things,’ it does a wide variety of cool things,” he said.
One of those cool things? Boeing’s new Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer.
Late last year, Boeing announced the launch of its Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer at the European Aviation Training Summit. The platform, which is powered by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Flight Simulator, is designed to provide pilots and flight training teams with immersive, accessible and customizable tools that enhance training sessions.
“This new software will significantly impact how and when pilots and operators train and will provide them with much needed flexibility,” Boeing Global Services CEO Chris Raymond said in a statement. “This new platform reflects Boeing’s commitment to digital innovation as we seek to leverage the latest technologies to improve our offerings and outcomes for our customers.”
How Boeing Supports Employee Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
According to Huff, it’s not all work and no play at Boeing.
The “boomerang” employee — an employee who leaves and later returns — said Boeing balances challenging, hands-on technical work with a supportive culture that allows him to spend time with his family and pursue his hobbies and interests. For Huff, that means coaching ski lessons on the weekends and hiking with his children, activities that just happen to reinforce skills he frequently uses on the job, like problem-solving and being able to explain complex ideas simply and clearly.
What Benefits and Wellness Perks Does Boeing Offer?
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Onsite fitness centers at select locations
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Mental health benefits
- Generous PTO
- Paid volunteer time
Huff added that Boeing’s employee benefits are top-notch, with the retirement and health insurance plans playing a significant role in his decision to return to the company.
“The 401(k) match can’t be beat,” he said.
How Partnerships and Orders Reflect Trust in Boeing
Boomerang employees like Huff aren’t the only ones with a renewed confidence in Boeing. External partners are demonstrating their faith in the aerospace company, too.
Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines ordered its largest aircraft order to date, amounting to 105 Boeing 737-10s and five Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The order coincides with the 60th anniversary of Boeing’s partnership with Alaska Airlines.
“When it comes to being aligned on what’s really important: safety, quality, performance and efficiency, we are in lock step with you,” said Alaska Air Group CEO and President Ben Minicucci.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg called the news “more than an order.”
“It’s a doubling down on Alaska’s commitment to The Boeing Company,” Ortberg said in a statement. “We don’t take that lightly. We know you really need us, and we need to deliver high-quality, safe airplanes to you on time. And we’ll commit to do that.”
How’s Boeing Doing? Here Are Their Numbers From Q4 2025
- Revenue: $23.9 billion
Driven by 160 commercial aircraft deliveries, signaling improving production output - Earnings Boost: +$9.6 billion
From the partial sale of its Digital Aviation Solutions business - Operating Cash Flow: $1.3 billion
Indicates the business is generating cash from core operations - Free Cash Flow: $0.4 billion
Returned to positive territory, marking a key step toward financial recovery - Total company backlog grew to a record $682 billion: Primarily reflecting 1,173 Commercial Airplanes net orders in the year, with all three segments at record levels.
(Source: Boeing Reports Fourth Quarter Results)
If Boeing’s partnerships and recent financial highlights are good indicators, it appears the aerospace company is stabilizing as an employer, with production ramping back up and a return to positive cash flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to work at Boeing today?
Working at Boeing is described as a mix of challenging, hands-on technical work and a supportive environment. Matt Huff, for example, says he works on difficult engineering projects across satellites, space systems and airplane components, while also having the flexibility to spend time with family and pursue interests outside work.
How is Boeing improving workplace culture?
Boeing is improving workplace culture by tying updated core values to everyday work in plain language and creating an atmosphere where employees feel more respected and empowered to speak up. The company’s values emphasize safety and quality, trust, people focus, ownership and innovation.
What employee perks and benefits does Boeing provide?
Boeing offers top-notch retirement and health insurance plans, including a strong 401(k) match. Other benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, mental health benefits, generous PTO, paid volunteer time and onsite fitness centers at select locations.
How does Boeing support employee empowerment?
Boeing supports employee empowerment by giving employees greater autonomy on important projects and making it easier for them to understand how expectations and behaviors connect to daily work.
