Boeing has told employees it intends to relocate Boeing 787 engineering work to relocate to South Carolina as the aircraft maker increases output of its twin-aisle jet, according to the union representing engineers in Washington state.
The plan would shift roughly 300 roles from Washington, where engineers are represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), to South Carolina, a non-union state. Boeing’s agreements with about 16,000 SPEEA members are set to expire in October.
Union officials said they were caught off guard by the announcement, coming after management said recently that no decisions were expected in the near term that would affect union members. SPEEA Executive Director Ray Goforth said the move and subsequent silence about its details have left workers anxious ahead of contract talks. The union has asked Boeing to clarify its plans and ensure that no layoffs will occur.
A Boeing spokesperson said the company also plans to hire engineers in Washington to support production increases for its 737 single-aisle jet. The strategy comes as Boeing ramps up 787 output, lifting production from five aircraft per month to eight last year, with a target of 10 per month in 2026.
The decision to consolidate Boeing 787 engineering work to relocate to South Carolina aligns with broader workforce adjustments. The company expanded its South Carolina headcount by around 10% in 2025 to more than 9,000 employees, while Washington saw a reduction of approximately 2,500 positions.
Boeing ended 2025 with nearly 182,000 employees globally, including about 65,000 in Washington state. The company has also reshaped its workforce through acquisitions and divestments, including adding workers through its purchase of Spirit AeroSystems and reducing staff following the sale of Jeppesen. Its defense division is also trimming around 300 non-union supply chain jobs as part of ongoing adjustments.
