SWE Distinguished New Engineer
Kate Doetsch
The Boeing Company
For applying strong technical acumen to solve complex problems; for dedicated outreach to youth and volunteer engagement that expands access to STEM resources; and for creative community involvement.
Kate Doetsch’s passion for electrochemistry and kinetics has led to a dynamic career as a materials and process engineer with The Boeing Company. She currently plays a critical role in the Boeing 777X program, providing paint, sealing, and corrosion expertise to the 777X aircraft production line. Her rigorous analysis of problems and her robust solutions have led to significant savings over multiple projects.
The 777X program is Boeing’s latest endeavor to build the world’s largest and most energy-efficient twin-engine jet. The goal is to deliver 10% lower fuel use and emissions and 10% lower operating costs than other jets. Doetsch has played a key role on projects that have improved one or more of a number of key metrics such as safety, cost, and manufacturability. She is frequently sought by other aircraft programs at the St. Louis site for her expertise in finishes, corrosion, and hazardous materials.
In 2012, Doetsch took part in an internship at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes fabrication site in Auburn, Washington. There, she had the opportunity to leverage her passion for environmentally friendly materials and processes in aerospace manufacturing. Graduating a year later from the University of Missouri with a B.S. in chemical engineering, she joined Boeing’s facility in St. Louis.
A SWE member since her first year of university and a life member since 2015, Doetsch chaired the Society’s outreach committee in FY18 after leading both the Wow! Innovation Challenge and programs workgroups. Outreach offerings to K-12 students through programs such as SWENext and K-12 Educator Membership were expanded during this time. She was part of the “Invent It. Build It.” leadership team from 2014-2018, and represented SWE at events including the 2017 Girl Scouts convention and 2014-2017 FIRST® Robotics world championships.
She served as president, vice president, and webmaster of the University of Missouri SWE collegiate section and later joined the St. Louis Section, serving on the section nominating committee, iCON17 conference planning team, and FY19 WE Local St. Louis local host committee. She also served on the Society’s collegiate leadership coaching committee for Region i and on the awards and recognition committee as outreach awards coordinator. She is the WE Local outreach awards coordinator on the Society’s awards and recognition committee and a member of the Boeing St. Louis SWE planning team, which engages Boeing St. Louis engineers with SWE.
Doetsch continually seeks to improve access to educational and career opportunities for students of all backgrounds. She is an event supervisor for Southern Illinois Science Olympiad and frequently speaks in K-12 STEM classrooms throughout the St. Louis area. She is a member of the Mizzou Alumni Association and Mizzou Alumni Mentoring Program. She has volunteered with myriad community organizations, including the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and the St. Louis Area Foodbank. She has been recognized with SWE’s FY19 WE Local New ELiTE Award, Mizzou Engineering’s 1907 Women in Engineering Alumna Award, and the Boeing St. Louis Diversity and Inclusion Council Influencing Award.
She lives in St. Louis with her husband, Kevin, and their 1-year-old son, where she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.