Joe Sutter joined Boeing in 1945 as an aerodynamicist and has held numerous positions dealing with analysis, design and production of jet aircraft. Among key positions was that of aerodynamics unit chief on the Boeing Model 367-80, the prototype of the United States ' first jet transport – the Boeing 707. Named chief of technology for the Boeing 727 in 1961, he became chief engineer-technology for the former Commercial Airplane Division in 1963. Joe was appointed chief engineer of the 747 program in 1965 and advanced through several positions to head the entire division in 1971. He is known in aerospace industry circles as the "father of the Boeing 747."