Who we are:

We aim to deliver clean, reliable, on-time aircraft to our Customers while maintaining a positive work environment for our Employees. Technical Operations at Southwest Airlines has three main pillars: Maintenance Operations, Planning & Performance, and Engineering & Programs. Quality, Compliance & Standards, and Engagement Teams work to support the three pillars. Read on to learn more about the type of work and roles that fall under each of these workgroups.
Technical Operations Operating Model Maintenance Operations includes Aircraft Maintenance, Material Stores, and Maintenance Operations Center Engineering & Programs includes Maintenance Programs, Powerplant Programs, and Engineering Planning & Performance includes Quality Assurance, Planning, Reliability, Training, Contract Services, Business Intelligence, and Aircraft Appearance As well as Regulatory Compliance, Quality, and Employee Engagement

Maintenance Operations

The majority of our People work in Maintenance Operations supporting the day-to-day maintenance work on our aircraft. Some of these roles include:
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians
Complete maintenance tasks on our aircraft. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians work at one of 21 locations across our network, and at six strategically-located hangars.
Appearance Technicians
Responsible for aircraft cleaning, security searches, aircraft waxes, and many other tasks to deliver safe, secure, clean, and reliable aircraft for the comfort of our Customers.
Material Stores Specialists
Get the right components to where they’re needed through shipping, receiving, and tooling while working with external vendors and complying with federal regulations.
Quality Control Inspectors
Responsible for reviewing Mechanics' work, including all regular checks as well as non-routine tasks.
Maintenance Controllers*
Primary point of contact for all day-of maintenance requirements and for all maintenance discrepancies that impact the operation. Coordinate any unplanned maintenance events with daily oversight and management of Minimum Equipment Lists (MELs), Configuration Deviation Lists (CDLs), and Maintenance Notes (short-term deferrals).
*Most Controller positions are located in Dallas, TX.

Support

Our Frontline Maintenance Operations positions are supported by hundreds of Employees behind the scenes who work to provide technical support, program compliance, short- and long-term planning, Reliability, and more. Below are some of the support areas continually growing.**Most of these positions are located in Dallas, TX.

Engineering
Provides technical consultation, direction, and instructions regarding configuration and operation of aircraft.

Programs
Define what, when, and how maintenance needs to be done, and by whom, in order to satisfy regulatory, compliance, Reliability, and Safety requirements.

Regulatory Compliance
Responsible for regulatory requirements such as ops specification changes, aircraft certifications/registrations, and aircraft weight and balance.

Aircraft Records
Supports the daily operation with data entry and corrections, acquisitions and assembly support, records audits for incoming components, and maintaining maintenance documentation.

Celebrating legacy women at Southwest

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by kicking off our month-long video series celebrating the incredible women at Southwest with Aircraft QC Inspector, Jen M.  Jen’s advice to women? “Go after what you actually want to do in life… don’t settle!”
Southwest Airplane on a tarmac at sunrise.

Technical Operations FAQs

Join our Talent Community.
We’ll notify you about relevant positions and keep you in mind for new opportunities.
Join Talent Community
Back to main page