Charleston, February 6, 2026
Boeing is relocating around 300 engineering jobs from Washington state to its North Charleston facility as part of a strategic consolidation of its 787 Dreamliner operations. This decision not only signifies Boeing’s commitment to the Charleston County economy but also sparks dialogue regarding the impact on the unionized workforce in Washington. The move, which aims to enhance production capabilities, is set to occur over the next few years, while the aerospace sector in South Carolina continues its robust growth.
Charleston, SC – The Lowcountry aerospace sector is once again in the spotlight as Boeing announces a significant strategic realignment of its 787 Dreamliner engineering operations, choosing to consolidate these vital functions in its North Charleston facility. This move, while signaling robust growth and confidence in the Charleston County economy, has simultaneously ignited a notable discussion with the aerospace giant’s unionized workforce in Washington state.
Charleston has long embraced a spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and economic expansion, fostered by a supportive business environment. Boeing’s continued investment underscores the region’s appeal for advanced manufacturing and high-skilled job creation, contributing significantly to Lowcountry economic growth. This strategic decision by Boeing is poised to further bolster the area’s reputation as a hub for aerospace excellence and provide new opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs and local businesses.
Boeing’s Strategic Shift to the Lowcountry
Boeing plans to transfer approximately 300 787 engineering jobs from Washington state to its North Charleston facility. This consolidation aims to centralize and enhance 787 engineering work as the company ramps up production of its popular twin-aisle jet. The transition of this work is anticipated to take a couple of years to fully implement. While Boeing indicates there will be no overall workforce reduction, it has not guaranteed that current employees in Washington will be assured positions in Charleston.
Economic Tailwind for Charleston County
This latest development follows a pattern of substantial investment by Boeing in the region. The company previously announced a $1 billion investment to expand its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026. This expansion plan includes a second assembly building on its International Boulevard campus and significant upgrades to existing operations. This investment is expected to create an additional 500 new jobs, increasing Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to over 8,300. Since 2009, Boeing has invested more than $3 billion in Charleston, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the area’s economic prosperity.
Boeing’s presence has already delivered tangible benefits to the Charleston SC business landscape. Studies indicate that the company’s operations in South Carolina have contributed to a 3% boost in local wages and a 6% increase in overall employment within the Charleston Metro Area. Furthermore, for every job initially pledged by Boeing (3,800 positions tied to state economic incentives), an estimated 2.6 additional jobs have been generated in the Charleston Metro Area through increased demand for goods and services.
South Carolina’s Pro-Growth Environment
South Carolina’s business climate has proven attractive to major employers like Boeing. The state is recognized as a right-to-work state, a factor often cited by companies seeking operational flexibility. The broader South Carolina aerospace sector has experienced robust growth, with employment increasing by over 21% between 2018 and 2024, significantly outpacing the national average. This thriving sector currently employs more than 140,000 South Carolinians in aerospace or related industries, with these positions offering wages that are 40% above the state’s average wage. The aerospace cluster contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the state’s economy, solidifying its role as a critical driver of prosperity.
In 2025, Boeing increased its South Carolina workforce by approximately 10%, reaching 9,059 employees. This growth occurred as the company boosted its 787 production rate from five jets per month to eight in the latter half of 2025, with plans for a further increase to 10 jets per month in the current year. South Carolina was the only state where Boeing made significant new hires during 2025.
The Union’s Concerns and Perspectives
While the move represents economic opportunity for the Lowcountry, it has prompted a strong reaction from the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), the union representing engineers in Washington state. Union officials reported being blindsided by Boeing’s announcement, stating it came just a day after management indicated no major decisions affecting union members were anticipated in the near future.
The union has urged Boeing to provide more details and assurances that its members will not face layoffs. SPEEA’s contracts with approximately 16,000 members in Washington are set to expire in October, and the union expressed that this announcement “casts a pall over upcoming contract negotiations.” Concerns have also been raised by the union regarding the relocation of jobs from a highly unionized state like Washington to South Carolina, which is a non-union state, with the belief that such a move could erode future worker rights. Boeing has not yet issued an immediate public response to the union’s specific comments. A Boeing spokesperson has stated that the company regularly evaluates and adjusts its workforce to align with commitments to customers and communities.
The Path Forward for Aerospace Innovation
This strategic move highlights Boeing’s efforts to optimize its production capabilities and workforce distribution in response to increasing global demand for air travel. The decision to centralize 787 engineering in North Charleston is a testament to the growth and development of the aerospace industry in South Carolina, which has become one of only three global sites for wide-body passenger jet production. The ongoing expansion and consolidation underscore the importance of a dynamic and responsive economic framework that supports large-scale private investment and fosters personal achievement within a skilled workforce. The ability for businesses to adapt and grow is crucial for sustaining economic momentum.
Conclusion
Boeing’s decision to bring more 787 engineering jobs to North Charleston signals continued confidence in South Carolina’s aerospace capabilities and promises further economic benefits for the Charleston County economy. This expansion strengthens the region’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and provides fertile ground for Charleston small business development and South Carolina entrepreneurs. While the move has sparked dialogue regarding workforce dynamics, it firmly positions Charleston at the forefront of aerospace innovation. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with the unfolding developments and continue supporting the local businesses and initiatives that contribute to Charleston’s vibrant economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boeing moving to South Carolina?
Boeing plans to move approximately 300 787 engineering jobs from Washington state to its North Charleston, South Carolina facility.
Why is Boeing moving these jobs to South Carolina?
The move is part of Boeing’s strategy to consolidate 787 engineering work in South Carolina as it ramps up production of its 787 Dreamliner.
What is the union’s reaction to this move?
The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) expressed that they were “blindsided” by the announcement and have urged Boeing for more information and assurances that their members will not be laid off. They also noted that the move to a non-union state could erode future worker rights.
What is the economic impact of Boeing in South Carolina?
Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has boosted local wages by 3% and overall employment by 6% in the Charleston Metro Area. The aerospace sector in South Carolina contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the state’s economy. Additionally, for every job initially pledged by Boeing (3,800 jobs), an estimated 2.6 additional jobs have been generated in the Charleston Metro Area.
How many employees does Boeing have in South Carolina?
After a 10% increase in 2025, Boeing’s workforce in South Carolina reached 9,059 employees. The $1 billion investment announced earlier is expected to create an additional 500 new jobs, bringing the total to over 8,300 (before the 9,059 figure was released).
Key Features of Boeing’s 787 Engineering Job Move
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Engineering Jobs Moving | Approximately 300 | State-level (from Washington to SC) |
| Origin of Jobs | Washington State (unionized) | Nationwide |
| Destination of Jobs | North Charleston, South Carolina (non-union) | State-level |
| Reason for Relocation | Consolidate 787 engineering work; Ramp up 787 production | Nationwide (Boeing strategy) |
| Union Involved (Washington) | Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) | Nationwide |
| Boeing’s Prior Investment in SC (by 2026) | $1 Billion for 787 facilities expansion | State-level |
| New Jobs from $1B Investment | 500 (bringing SC workforce to over 8,300) | State-level |
| Aerospace Sector Annual Economic Impact in SC | $38.3 Billion | State-level |
| Aerospace Employment Growth in SC (2018-2024) | Over 21% (highest in the nation) | State-level |
| Total SC Aerospace Jobs (current) | Over 140,000 | State-level |
| Boeing SC Workforce (2025) | 9,059 (10% increase) | State-level |
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