In a major restructuring, Boeing will establish technology research centers around the country in Huntsville, Alabama, Southern California, St. Louis, Missouri, North Charleston, South Carolina and Seattle, Washington.

“The new centers will operate independently but cooperatively with one another and with Boeing technology centers in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Spain and Russia. The international centers conduct research to benefit the environment, aviation safety, air traffic management and other areas,” the company said.

"We are reorganizing and realigning our research-and-technology operations to better meet the needs of our Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space and Security business units, as well as our government R&D customers," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Research and Technology. "Our customers have a common need for new technology that can be integrated quickly and efficiently into current products and production lines, as well as enable new market-leading products and services. With these changes, we are enhancing our ability to provide effective, efficient and innovative technology solutions."

Earlier this year, Boeing announced the geographic diversification of its Information Technology organization, as well as engineering design centers within Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Boeing said its BR&T's realignment continues the company's strategy of pursuing future growth and competitiveness while consistently delivering on the company's promises to its customers.

The new research centers will consolidate technology development of strategic importance to Boeing over the long-term, the company said. They will be chartered to accelerate technical capability in specific fields and enhance and build networks of collaboration with university, industry and government research centers around the world.

The new locations and centers:

Huntsville, Alabama: Simulation and Decision Analytics; Metals and Chemical Technology Southern California: Flight Sciences; Electronics and Networked Systems; Structures St. Louis: Systems Technology; Digital Aviation and Support Technology; Metallics and Fabrication Development North Charleston, South Carolina: Manufacturing Technology Seattle: Manufacturing Technology Integration

As the centers are established, BR&T employee totals are expected to grow between 300 to 400 each in Alabama, Missouri and South Carolina. BR&T jobs in Washington are expected to decrease by 800 to 1,200, and BR&T jobs in California are expected to decrease by 200 to 300.

The unit will continue to provide manufacturing technology integration support at Boeing business unit production sites in Washington state, as well as Arizona, California, Missouri, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.