Principal Ops Engineer

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• N/A

• 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

• 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 Profit Sharing 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.