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Technical Operations is the Heart of Southwest Airlines®.​
Technical Operations (Tech Ops) Employees are crucial in ensuring Southwest® operation's Safety, efficiency, and compliance by maintaining an all-Boeing fleet. Most of our People work in Maintenance Operations, supporting the day-to-day maintenance work on our aircraft. Our Frontline Maintenance Operations positions receive support from hundreds of Employees who work behind the scenes to provide technical support, program compliance, short- and long-term planning, Reliability, and more. 
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Tech Ops positions 

Check out the responsibilities of some of our Tech Ops roles.* 
Aircraft Maintenance Technician working on an airplane part
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians 
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) service and maintain Southwest's all-Boeing fleet to ensure the airworthiness of each aircraft. AMTs work at 1 of 23 locations across our network in either a hangar or a line facility, depending on the type of maintenance they perform.
Appearance Technician cleaning an airplane wing
Appearance
​​​​​​​Technicians
Appearance Technicians are the detailers of the airline industry. They clean hangars and refresh our aircraft and equipment to provide a safe environment for our Customers and Crews.
Two men talking in a warehouse and looking at airplane parts
Material Specialists
Material Specialists maintain Company storeroom logs and records, deliver aircraft parts to various Teams, and multitask effectively to meet required deadlines. This role works in a warehouse environment and partners with external vendors. 
A Quality Control Inspector inspecting the inside of an airplane
Quality Control Inspectors
Quality Control Inspectors are responsible for reviewing Mechanics' work for all regular checks and non-routine tasks to ensure they follow policies and procedures. 
Three Maintenance Controllers talking at their computer
Maintenance Controllers*
Maintenance Controllers are the primary point of contact for all day-of maintenance requirements and maintenance discrepancies that impact the operation. This role coordinates 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, Texas.
An engineer working on an airplane part
Engineering*
Tech Ops Engineering roles provide technical consultation, direction, and instructions regarding the configuration and operation of aircraft. This Team supports the goal of safe, compliant, and reliable operations. 
​​​​​​​*Engineering positions are located in Dallas, Texas.
A woman sitting in her cubicle and smiling
Programs*
Our Programs Team defines what, when, and how to complete maintenance needs. These responsibilities ensure the satisfaction of regulatory, compliance, Reliability, and Safety requirements. 
​​​​​​​*Programs positions are located in Dallas, Texas.
A man standing at his desk and smiling
Regulatory Compliance*
Regulatory Compliance roles oversee regulatory requirements such as operations specification changes, aircraft certifications/registrations, and aircraft weight and balance. 
​​​​​​​*Regulatory Compliance positions are located in Dallas, Texas.
A man entering data on his computer and smiling
Aircraft Records
Employees in Aircraft Records roles support our daily operation through data entry, corrections, acquisitions, and assembly. This role also records audits for incoming aircraft components and maintains maintenance documentation. 

*This overview doesn't include all of our Tech Ops roles. 

How to apply

If you see an open Tech Ops position posted, you can apply on careers.southwestair.com. If there aren't open Tech Ops positions posted, we're not interviewing for that job right now.

You can only apply for a job at Southwest Airlines through this site. Fees don't fly here—we’ll never ask for a form of payment for your application or training.

Find your role model.

Watch the videos below of our inspiring Tech Ops Employees. 
Photo of Shawn, Southwest GSE Technician next to "Where Purpose Meets Power" slogan.
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Learn how Shawn, a GSE Technician at Southwest, helps keep operations running smoothly, prioritizes safety, and thrives in a supportive team environment.
Aircraft Mechanic smiling at the camera with his arms crossed
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Check out how Keith Y., an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, works on our aircraft and inspires students to discover a rewarding career where every day brings a new, hands-on challenge.
Aircraft Mechanic smiling at the camera in front of a Southwest plane
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Nathaniel C. turned his interest into a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician who supports his family and maintains the largest Boeing 737 fleet in the world.
Aircraft Inspector with a flashlight
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Southwest Aircraft Inspector, Jen M.'s advice to women? “Go after what you actually want to do in life… don’t settle!”
Appearance Technician smiling at the camera with her arms crossed
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Follow along with Southwest Airlines Aircraft Appearance Technician Daisy M. for a day in the life of cleaning and refreshing Southwest aircraft and equipment at the Dallas hangar.
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Ground Support Equipment(GSE) Technicians
The Ground Support Equipment 
(GSE) Technician role 
maintains our automotive, ramp, 
provisioning, and deicing equipment 
through duties such as dismantling, 
repairing, fabricating, welding, 
altering, and painting. 
Learn More about being a GSE Technician

Why Southwest Airlines?

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Inclusion & Belonging
No matter where you're flying from or what area of Southwest interests you, we're connecting you to what matters most. By fostering a Culture of Belonging that cares for and embraces all, we recognize that every experience, perspective, and background makes an incredible impact on our Company.
Read about our Inclusion & Belonging initiatives
Image of two ramp agents laughing in a cargo bin.
Culture
​​​​​​​Our Culture is integral to all aspects of our business and our Employees’ lives, from the way Employees treat each other to the way that our Company puts our Employees first. Three vital elements of our Culture are appreciation, recognition, and celebration.
Explore our Culture
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Military
We're proud to have more than 9,600 veterans and 1,600 military spouses on our Southwest Team. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.
*As of August 2025
Learn about our military programs
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Benefits
More than just a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines comes with several benefits, from our legendary Culture to travel privileges for Employees and their eligible dependents.
See our benefits

Questions we often hear.

Click each frequently asked question below to learn more about what it's like to work in Tech Ops at Southwest.
Explore our Tech Ops workflow and where each Team fits in the process. 

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs), Appearance Technicians, Instructors, Maintenance Controllers, Material Specialists, and Quality Control Inspectors are unionized roles.  


Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) represents Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Appearance Technicians, and related Employees like Inspectors and Maintenance Controllers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) represents Material Specialists. You can learn more about these unions by visiting the AMFA and IBT websites. 

Line stations: through flight 

  • Kansas City, Mo. (MCI) 

  • Nashville, Tenn. (BNA) 

  • Philadelphia, Pa. (PHL) 

  • Sacramento, Calif. (SMF) 

  • Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) 

  • San Diego, Calif. (SAN) 

  • San Jose, Calif. (SJC) 

  • St. Louis, Mo. (STL) 

 
Remain overnight (RON) stations: through line, line RON, and down line 

  • Baltimore/Washington, Md. (BWI) 

  • Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL) 

  • Las Vegas, Nev. (LAS) 

  • Los Angeles, Calif. (LAX) 

  • Milwaukee, Wis. (MKE) 

  • Oakland, Calif. (OAK) 

  • Tampa, Fla. (TPA) 

 
Base stations: through flight, line RON, hangar RON, intermediate maintenance, and heavy maintenance [Dallas (Love Field) only]

  • Atlanta, Ga. (ATL) 

  • Chicago (Midway), Ill. (MDW) 

  • Dallas (Love Field), Texas (DAL) 

  • Denver, Colo. (DEN) 

  • Houston (Hobby), Texas (HOU) 

  • Orlando, Fla. (MCO) 

  • Phoenix, Ariz. (PHX) 
The preference is for Regulatory Affairs Investigators to have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience. 
Yes. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and Quality Control (QC) Inspectors must have a valid FAA  A&P Certificate to perform maintenance and inspections on all Southwest aircraft. 

Visit the FAA page to learn more about the process for earning an FAA  Airframe and Powerplant Certificate. 

Education

  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

 

Experience

  • Required: 2 years of Aircraft Maintenance Experience, including 1 year of Heavy Jet Aircraft Maintenance Experience (12,500 lbs or more)
  • Required: Must meet the recency of experience requirements of CFR 65.83
    • To satisfy the recent work experience requirement, the applicant must have been actively working, utilizing their A&P license for at least 6 of the preceding 24 months
    • As operations permit, applicants who cannot meet this requirement and are awarded an AMT classification, must work under the supervision of an AMT for six months and may also be required to attend additional training

 

Licensing/Certification

  • Must possess a valid U.S. Driver's License
  • Valid Federal A&P Certificates, as required by Federal Law

 

Physical Abilities

  • Must be able to perform all job functions within cramped and confined spaces and in hazardous areas
  • Must be able to lift and move items of up to 50 pounds on a regular basis
  • Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop on a frequent basis and for extended periods of time

 

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 the 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
  • Must possess the tools required to perform routine aircraft maintenance
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime

Check out a 30,000-foot view of our hiring process, learn about our interview stages, and read more about what you can expect working at Southwest. 

Our Heart starts with our People.

Senior Engineer working on a Southwest plane

Lifer
"You don't need to bring a 'perfect' self to an interview or work every day. Bringing yourself takes courage."

- Stephanie H., Sr. Engineer
Stephanie's story
Aircraft Maintenance Technician sitting on a Southwest plane

The Southwest Way of doing things
"Everything comes together to keep our planes safe, our operations moving, and connecting our Customers to where they need to be. The payoff is worth it."

- Alan R., Aircraft Maintenance Technician 
Alan's story
Aircraft Maintenance Technician smiling in front of a Southwest plane

The ride of your career
"You don't forget those moments or the People there for you- that creates family."

- Tom M., Aircraft Maintenance Technician
 
Tom's story
Material Store Employees grabbing supplies off the shelf

Seeing my Team's 'lightbulb' moments
"I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, finding opportunities to learn more, and challenging myself to strive for greatness."

- Richard M., Material Stores Manager
 
Richard's story
Aircraft Maintenance Technician working in the flight deck

A gearhead who loves what he does
"Take pride in your work, pride in your Company, and do the right things because you love what you do."

- Clayton L., Aircraft Maintenance Technician
​​​​
Clayton's story
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Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. To learn more, read our EOE statement.
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Wanna get assistance?
If you have difficulty using our online careers site or participating in the hiring process due to a disability and require accommodations, please email Accommodations.Team@wnco.com. Please use "Accommodation Request" as the subject line of your email.

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