Skip to content

Brooke Griffin

from student pilot to MQ-28 Integrated Test Team Engineering Lead
I manage engineering execution for the flight test demonstration of the MQ-28.
Industry
Aviation
Company
Boeing
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • What you need to know to work on planes
  • The difference between Military and Civilian aircraft programs
  • If I got to fly in planes during my career

About me

  • International Experience
  • Regional Background

My journey began at the age of 9 when I was fortunate enough to witness a shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral igniting my dream of becoming an astronaut. Driven by my passion for aviation, I pursued a pilots license taking my first solo flight before I could even obtain a learner car permit! However, as a young female pilot, I faced the challenge of being taken seriously in the industry. To overcome this, I made the deliberate choice to pursue an aerospace engineering degree, to establish credibility. Although engineering wasn’t my initial ambition, I knew I wanted to work with aircraft or in a space program.

Upon graduating from university I was approached for a role on the prestigious F-35 program. This opportunity propelled my career and lead me to work as a structural analyst on multiple aircraft development programs in the United States. I returned to Australia to join Boeing Defence Australia in 2016 where I’ve dedicated my expertise to supporting operational programs for our esteemed Royal Australian Air Force.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Decisive
  • Focused
  • Passionate
  • Resourceful

I work in the operations and test team for the MQ-28 program. The MQ-28, known as the Ghost Bat, is the first combat aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Australia in over 50 years. As a new aircraft which performs an entirely new combat role for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the MQ-28 needs to be extensively and rigorously flight tested before it can be accepted into service with the RAAF. Part of that process includes a complex demonstration of the aircraft’s capability to the RAAF and government in 2025 and I work with multiple teams across Boeing to coordinate the technical requirements to enable us to successfully conduct that demonstration.

Education

  • Private Pilots License
  • Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
  • Global Executive Masters of Business Administration in Space & Defence

Subjects

  • English
  • Industrial Technology
  • Legal Studies
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • Boeing Global Services Engineering Team of the Year 2017

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Boating
  • Paddle boarding
  • Travel
  • Yoga

15 year old me!!

“Your ability to work in a team and identify people's strengths are just as valuable as your technical skills”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Didn't get into Airforce as fighter pilot
  2. Went on to study an Aerospace Engineering degree
  3. Landed a job on the F-35 (the last manned fighter jet)
  4. Worked in the USA, became a citizen
  5. Full circle to first un-crewed fighter jet to be designed/built in Australia

My typical day

My employer

Behind every Boeing product and platform is a person using critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems and produce future aerospace products that defy gravity, break the speed of sound and allow Boeing to live out its mission to connect, protect and explore our world. Our teams span the areas of defence, space, commercial products and technologies. At Boeing, you could play a hand in taking products from inception and design to delivery and beyond, and solve challenges that enable all of humanity to take flight.