Principal Operations Engineer

Department:

Network Operations Planning

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

Job Summary

All of Southwest’s People come together to deliver on our Purpose; Connecting People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Principal Operations Engineer invests in our Purpose by supporting all aircraft performance data required by the Company for the safe and efficient operation of Southwest aircraft. This role also leads operations engineering to advance procedures, promote Southwest’s interests in industry workgroups, and support internal and external Customers. The Principal Operations Engineer is an innovative thinker who looks forward to enhancing safety and efficiency in Southwest’s operations.

Additional Details:

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead research of new technologies, new aircraft capabilities and types, procedures and training
• Ensure that system implementations meet the aircraft performance and weight and balance requirements from the manufacturer's FAA Approved Flight Manuals or other source material
• Provide expert oversight into the design, implementation, and management of aircraft performance data systems and weight and balance systems to support the safe and efficient operation of the airline
• Maintain aircraft performance systems and supporting data, including Electronic Flight Bag applications, Dispatch flight planning system, and weight and balance systems
• Maintain responsibility for the development, management, and oversight of takeoff, enroute, landing aircraft performance systems and weight and balance systems as required by FAR Part 25 and 121
• Convey performance information through Electronic Flight Bag, Dispatch flight planning system, Flight Operations Manual, Flight Reference Manual, and other Operations publications
• Oversee the technical development of Engineers and serves as a mentor and technical resource for the Southwest NOC Engineering Team to advance Southwest's technical capabilities
• Lead department in support to other groups within the Company, including Dispatch, Schedule Planning, Maintenance, Finance, and Ground Operations in regards to aircraft performance capability and regulation
• Study and analyze airplane performance, and serves as a Company resource for airplane performance capability and regulation
• Lead support and representation to external groups, including airport authorities, manufacturers, vendors, regulators, and consultants
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of technical data and mechanical operations
• Expert knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, aerodynamics, and their applications
• Expert knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming
• Highly skilled in reading technical documents, following instructions, learning, and understanding office procedures and various contracts
• Skilled in collecting, organizing, visualizing, and assimilating data, including turning raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software
• Highly skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Skilled in using common business computer applications
• Expert ability to influence/lead industry groups to ensure prioritization of initiatives and alignment on solutions that meet the overall needs of SWA and the industry
• Expert ability to communicate effectively to all levels of audience
• Expert ability to assimilate technical data for verbal and written response to regulatory authorities
• Ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, including finding a relationship among unrelated events
• Ability to create an atmosphere of trust and respect between self and others in the work group
• Ability to inspire others to adhere to the ethical standards and values of the organization
• Ability to self-motivate and work under tight time constraints to accomplish competing assignments and projects

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Bachelor of Science in an ABET accredited course of study in Engineering

Experience

• Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in:
  • Airline or manufacturer experience in aerodynamics and/or aircraft performance engineering
  • Boeing aircraft performance tools and methods
  • Aircraft certification, flight operations, flight dispatch, and aircraft weight and balance

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

Other Qualifications

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Ability to work extended hours based on operational needs

Competitive market salary from $130,750 per year to $145,300 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love:

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)

• Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, of your eligible pay, per paycheck *

• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement - when Southwest profits, you profit**

• Explore more Benefits you’ll love: [https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits>

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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