Boeing-WSU Speaker Series — Transition to the workplace
About the event
A panel of Washington State University alumni share their journeys in transitioning from academia to the workplace after graduation and answer student’s questions on this topic.
About the speakers
John Patneaude – worked for the Seattle Sonics, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. John is a Seattle native, however, he has lived in Phoenix, AZ as well as Los Angeles, CA. He was hired by Boeing in October of 2014 and spent his first year in Supplier Management as a Contracts Procurement Agent for a major structure supplier. His Procurement Agent Contracts work supported all Commercial Airplane Programs and multiple supplier sites. Next, he transitioned into an Operations Procurement Agent role supporting on time delivery of supplier parts to our full spectrum of commercial airplanes. Currently, John is transitioning to a Manufacturing Data Analyst role with the 737 Program.
Jessica Wilkins – currently works as a manager in 737 fulfillment, tool rooms and wings. Previously Jessica has seven years of experience within the Aftermarket Supply Chain holding many positions within procurement, Asset Management, category strategy, LEAN focal, execution, AOG support, and customer relations. Her supply chain experience has been within every Boeing program and even Airbus support.
Grady Martin – began his engineering career while attending Washington State University as a Boeing summer intern from 2009-2011 on the 747-8I program supporting Linings, PSUs, and Integration. After graduation in 2012 with a Mechanical Engineering degree, he hired into the 777/787 Crew Rest team within the Interiors Responsibility Center in Everett, Washington. Grady moved between commodities within the IRC until 2017 when he took a new assignment within 737 Cabin Control and Communication in Renton. Outside of work, Grady lives on the Kitsap Peninsula with his wife and daughter where he enjoys the outdoors, woodworking, gardening, and cooking. Grady is also a Kitsap County Parks Advisory Board Representative and is finishing his MBA from the University of North Carolina.