About this role
Department:
Technical OperationsOur 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:
Are you ready to guide high‑impact decisions that elevate the technical standards that power Southwest Airlines Technical Operations? The Senior Technical Standards Consultant provides advanced business consulting, leading high-impact strategic initiatives through in-depth research, analysis, and project coordination. This project management-focused role supports all aspects of Technical Operations and resolves compliance issues by collaborating with planning, engineering, quality control, AMTs, inspectors, and maintenance programs. The Senior Technical Standards Consultant is a skilled communicator and presenter who is ready to drive the future of Southwest.
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.
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.
- Responsible for identifying technical challenges that pose compliance risk or span multiple departments, leading multi-disciplinary efforts to define solutions, and setting clear standards for success. This includes not only facilitating discussions but also driving alignment, making informed recommendations, and ensuring adoption of standardized, comprehensive processes that strengthen compliance and efficiency.
- Conducts regulatory research, interprets guidance, and develops actionable strategies to help ensure Tech Ops maintains the highest levels of safety and compliance. The role does not stop at providing guidance but helps define the path forward and drives progress toward resolution.
- Lead multi-disciplinary workshops, create presentations, and clearly communicate recommendations to Leaders and Teams
- Lead process improvement initiatives by facilitating meetings, creating presentations, communicating recommendations, and developing project plans and schedules to support implementation of process improvement initiatives; includes assessing operations, creating process maps, researching federal regulation and guidance, identifying opportunities for improvement, understanding appropriate methodologies, consulting with Subject Matter Experts, and proposing solutions for process improvement
- Work with teams across Technical Operations, understand challenges, analyze problems, and establish specific standards required for an effective and compliant Operation
- Mentor and guide junior team members in their work and professional development
- Research and understand federal regulations and guidance material
- Review, understand, and provide feedback on FAA and DOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
- Manage multiple projects and tasks across shifting priorities to ensure team deliverables and Operational needs are attained
- Evaluate technical processes, recognize deficiencies, and identify root cause as necessary
- Bring alignment between organizations and drive towards a recommendation or solution
- Serve as Subject Matter Expert to cross-departmental projects and work as a liaison with other departments and workgroups to ensure Tech Ops needs are met
- Deliver analysis and solutions or recommendations that illustrate a clear understanding of the problem and the broader impact across Operational groups and the Company
- Prepare memos, reports, and presentations using excellent verbal and written skills
- Must be able meet any physical ability requirements listed in this description
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee Leaders
- The position requires a balance of technical proficiency, leadership skills, project management, and strategic thinking to deliver process improvements, champion regulatory compliance, and influence outcomes across the organization.
- Expected to mentor and guide junior team members
- Expert ability to be an effective communicator across varying levels of an organization
- Expert ability to research and understand federal regulation and guidance
- Familiarity with aircraft systems and their maintainability
- Expert skills in effectively communicating information and ideas in a concise and compelling storyline using all forms of communication, tailoring tone, style and content to the intended audience
- Ability to understand internal/external Stakeholder requirements, expectations, and needs and incorporate them into process improvement projects
- Ability to present in front of all levels of management and represent the department at cross-functional meetings
- Interpret and understand technical documents, such as the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM), Engineering drawings and diagrams, Airworthiness Directives (AD), and Service Bulletins (SB)
- Expert ability to understand problems and inefficiencies in technical processes
- Expert ability to reconcile multiple variables when making decisions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Expert skills in negotiation and conflict management; leading discussions with stakeholders from multiple backgrounds that may have conflicting priorities
- Strong analytical, problem-solving abilities
- Strong change management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to large audiences and Senior Leadership
- Expert skills in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
- Ability to work within regulatory constraints with a strategic mindset
- Skilled in driving moderately complex continuous improvement projects from concept to completion
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
- Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives and influencing compliance outcomes within a Part 121 air carrier environment
- Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:
- Part 121 operations and regulatory compliance requirements
- Process improvement methodologies, including analyzing technical challenges, developing solutions, and driving implementation
- Aircraft Maintenance, Quality Control, and Engineering processes that support compliance and operational efficiency
- Regulatory research and interpretation of FAA and DOT rules, guidance, and Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Preferred: Project Management skills
Preferred: Experience in Gantt chart programs, Visio, and Maintenix
- Safety Management System (SMS) principles, including Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Risk Assessments (RA)
- Project management, including developing project plans, facilitating workshops, and managing competing priorities
- Technical process evaluation, identifying deficiencies, and performing root cause analysis
- N/A
- Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/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
- Must be able to travel as needed to accomplish project goals
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.
Other facts
About Southwest Airlines
At Southwest®, everything we do—from our smiling People to our policies—is designed to let you go with Heart. No matter what comes up in your travels, we’ve got your back. Because while any airline can fly you, only Southwest lets you go with Heart.
Application fees don’t fly.
The only way to apply for a job at Southwest Airlines is through careers.southwestair.com. We'll never ask for any payment for your application or training.*
*Destination 225° is a Southwest Airlines program. Applying is free; however, candidates advancing through the selection process are responsible for all costs incurred.
What you'll do
- The Senior Technical Standards Consultant is responsible for identifying technical challenges that pose compliance risks, leading multi-disciplinary efforts to define solutions, and setting clear standards for success across Technical Operations. This involves conducting regulatory research, developing actionable strategies, leading workshops, and driving the adoption of standardized, comprehensive processes to strengthen compliance and efficiency.
Ready to join Southwest Airlines?
Take the next step in your career journey