Laurette Lahey learned early in her engineering career that versatility is key.

During her 23-year career at Boeing Wichita, Lahey has worked on commercial and military airplane programs in a variety of disciplines.

This month, Lahey, 44, was appointed vice president for flight and controls at Boeing's Defense, Space & Security division.

In her new position, Lahey is responsible for the technical integrity and success of the division's development and production programs.

Most recently, she was director of flight engineering, where she was responsible for acoustics, aerodynamics, configuration, design, flight guidance and control systems, propulsion integration and weights engineering for all of Boeing's Defense, Space and Security locations.

Lahey has worked on 737, 757 and 777 commercial airliners, the B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker support, the RC-135 aircraft re-engine program, the 767 tanker program and others.

Lahey grew up in northern Oklahoma and earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Oklahoma State University.

She and her husband, Tim, a Sedgwick County District Court judge, have five children.

What do you like best about your job?

"The fact that we have these amazing technical skills across the enterprise. Having the ability to tap into these ... skills across the enterprise — that's truly my favorite part. ... It's a tremendous opportunity that few other aerospace companies have."

What's the biggest challenge in your new job?

"I believe the biggest challenge will be to ensure that we have the right level and timely engagement on our programs across the enterprise. This job is all about ensuring the technical integrity in our products."

Do you have any advice for engineers just entering the field?

"My first advice is to be willing to try new things that may be in skill areas outside of your comfort zone, and be willing to learn. Having a passion for learning throughout your career is very important to stay current, to stay relevant and to stay adaptable."

You mentioned that Wichita is a good place to encourage young people to enter the engineering field. Why is that?

"Wichita is an exciting place as an incubator for new engineers because of the products (worked on here). We've got a unique opportunity within the local area to excite young kids to be engineers."

How have you juggled a demanding career and a busy family over the years?

"I have an incredible spouse and support and family structure. But you do make sacrifices. ... The first decade I was able to have some flexibility to spend more time with our children as they were small.

"As they've grown more independent, I've been able to focus and spend more time from a career standpoint. ... You have to make life balance. It's not going to be 50-50 all the time. Sometimes it comes in stages, and you have to make decisions that are best for your family."