This article is written as thoughts and reflections on the current state of and approaches to Optimization, Machine Learning, Digital Thread, and related technologies in structures at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This is a one-person perspective on what is currently being done in practice and thoughts on how to improve the current practice.

After talking to my colleagues in various industries and academia, it became clear that my perspective and thoughts are not unique. This realization has encouraged me to share my thoughts with an even broader audience and ask for your reflections, suggestions, and advice.