Published July 24, 2026

For Maisie, testing new features on the Chinook is about more than data.

Maisie on board a RAF Chinook helicopter test aircraft (© Boeing)

Maisie Dobbs’ routine as a flight test engineer at Boeing Test & Evaluation UK regularly takes her to the jump seat of a modified Chinook helicopter. Sitting between the pilot and the co-pilot during test flights, she observes how the aircraft reacts in flight after parts have been modified to improve performance.

Her current focus is on the Chinook’s infrared suppression system, a self-defense modification that protects the aircraft from heat-seeking missiles by cooling engine exhaust and masking hot components.

“I get to be right in the action of the flying and make sure that the helicopter is performing the way we want it to,” she says.

Maisie Dobbs (right) with her parents and sister after university graduation (© Maisie Dobbs)

Maisie joined Boeing after graduating as an aerospace engineer from the University of Sheffield. With her engineering background and skills in math and analysis, her first attention during and after flights is on the data produced by the aircraft.

But she also knows data is not everything. “There is also the feeling, the expertise of people I work with. The pilots, who have a lot of experience on these aircraft, know what feels and what sounds right to them,” she says.

Maisie Dobbs in the Chinook helicopter (© Boeing)

Beyond the flight line, Maisie is an active advocate for making engineering accessible. Together with her sister, she founded 2SistersinSTEM, a blog that advocates for more women working in science, technology, engineering and math. Maisie recently spoke about her role in front of 2,000 students during an online event with Primary Engineer, one of Boeing Global Engagement's Partners in the UK and Ireland.

“I’m genuinely passionate about what I do, and that enthusiasm comes through when I talk to people. I want to show that engineering is not just intellectually challenging but also hands‑on and full of unexpected opportunities. Speaking to over 2,000 students at the Primary Engineer schools event was a highlight. Moments like that make the work feel even more worthwhile.”