How Boom Supersonic Team Members Developed a Passion For Aviation

For many, a love for planes begins early on in life. Learn what that spark was for six employees across departments.

We’re gearing up for National Aviation Day 2022. To celebrate, get inspired by Boom employees and what drew them into the field. From parents in the military to a passion for Legos, there are many reasons our people were inspired to build a new era of supersonic flight.

Eli Oleksiak
Eli Oleksiak is a member of Boom’s Avionics & Electrical Systems Engineering team, which is responsible for the the development, design, implementation, integration, testing, and certification of the Avionics, Electrical, and Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS) for Overture.

“Since a young age, I’ve had a fascination with aircraft. That interest grew when I served in the Marine Corps which allowed me the opportunity to fly as a passenger on a variety of aircraft and I knew that there was a well-trained pilot with a very capable aircraft close by when you needed them. My interest peaked when I became an engineer. I wanted to work in the most challenging industry out there, an industry that takes people above buildings and beyond.”

Anai Soto
Anai Soto is a member of Boom’s business development team, where she leads supply chain development, strategy, and relationships with suppliers.

“I’m inspired by the technology associated with flying and the way we can connect with the world through aircrafts — especially with a supersonic airplane that will allow people to arrive at their destinations quicker.”

Nick Sheryka
As Chief Flight Test Engineer, Nick Sheryka is responsible for the planning and execution of XB-1’s ground and flight test campaigns. This effort began with integration tests conducted in the hangar and will continue through max mach number test flight.

“To be honest, I simply love airplanes, however I didn’t start in aerospace. My first job was working as a test engineer for the US Navy submarine program. In my free time, I earned my pilot’s license and started building a small airplane in my garage. The enjoyment of those two efforts convinced me that I should be working in aerospace. I am lucky to have discovered my niche; specializing in new aircraft prototypes where I can apply my experience to safely bring the visions of new missions or capabilities into reality.”

Matt Safran
Matt Safran is an Airframe Structures Engineer for XB-1. His team designs the structural framework for the aircraft and makes decisions about the layout of the aircraft framework, the materials, and the way to fabricate and assemble the parts.

“It’s been a progression from Lego, to model rockets, to finding out there’s only a few college majors where you get your hands dirty, and I’ve never been one for the arts. In fact, I was born and raised in NYC, and I spent a lot of time admiring the infrastructure in my hometown. Studying mechanical engineering was my way of getting a toehold into working on the big projects that surrounded me when I grew up. Lately I’ve been noticing artistry in what design engineers do. We often start a new design with a blank piece of paper, sketch different ideas, and then turn a blank computer screen into a 3D sculpture of our product. We don’t always get our hands dirty, but turning a few pieces of paper into a whole airplane has always felt a little like magic.”

Anne Bielecki
Anne Bielecki is Boom’s Overture Commercial Operations Program Manager. She manages projects that are critical to Overture’s success. She led the site selection for the Overture Superfactory, and is now working on getting it built and ready for occupancy.

“I was fascinated by space when I was a kid, but as I grew up my focus turned more towards air travel. I attribute it to growing up in a military area. My dad’s retired Navy and a private pilot so I was always around airplanes. I was set on studying Aerospace Engineering in college by the time I was in middle school.”

Douglas Klutzke
Douglas Klutzke is an engineering configuration manager at Boom, where he creates, coordinates, and manages the Overture aircraft physical definition. This starts from conception, to creation and certification, and even beyond that to the retirement of the aircraft. 

“I’ve always had an interest in aircraft but what cemented it was waiting at the airport for a family member to return, back when we could go to the gate. There was a pilot closing up a plane for the evening at the gate next to us and he invited me to tour the cockpit. I still feel this excitement when I get the chance to watch air shows and tour aviation museums. When on a business trip it’s magic when you find your way over to the local museum to walk through a Concorde or see a Guppy close up before catching your return flight.”

Want to join our team at Boom? We’re hiring — learn more at our careers page: https://boomsupersonic.com/careers

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