Managing Director Powerplant Program

Department:Technical Operations

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

Responsible for providing technical, functional and strategic leadership for Powerplant Engineering Programs. The Sr Director will serve as the single accountable point for contact for configuration control, quality, and cost of all Southwest Airlines fleet engine operations. Responsible to provide clear expectations, guidance, and coaching to all team members, and serve as an effective partner across Southwest in the pursuit of safe, reliable, low-cost 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.

Model the Southwest Way

Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees

Adhere to Company Values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment

Invest in Leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development

Responsibilities

Lead Engine Governance Committee, making tactical decisions on engine workscopes, supporting Engine purchase, sale, and lease decisions

Responsible for ensuring Tech Ops operates within Engine Maintenance Budget, typically $500M+ in annual spend

Serve as primary focal point between Southwest Airlines and the Engine Manufacturers for technical issues pertaining to Southwest's fleet

Ensure Southwest Powerplant Engineering uses industry leading practices to develop and substantiate repairs, ensuring airworthy engines at the lowest possible cost

Oversee Engineering specifications for powerplant configurations and powerplant maintenance program at Southwest Airlines, ensuring safe, compliant engines, and properly balancing cost and reliability

Responsible for compliance with engine supplier's contracts including quality, pricing, ongoing practices, and relationships

Support the Southwest Airlines Technical Operations department in performing cost benefit and financial analyses for engine contracts

Represent Technical Operations during negotiation of Engine Maintenance Contracts, in support of Fleet Transactions and Supply Chain Management. Ensure the specification and execution of engine maintenance within Tech Ops is in accordance with contractual requirements

Ensure that all work performed on Southwest powerplants is performed to Southwest Airlines quality standards

Oversee development and maintenance of models to accurately forecast engine maintenance demand to support Technical Operations strategic planning and budgeting

Prepare and manage Budget and Budget Variance reporting to Finance, Technical Operations Leadership, and other stakeholders

Serves as Point of Contact for Southwest’s FAA Certificate Management Office (CMO), as well as the FAA Engine Certification Office (ECO) for technical issues related to Engines

Establish and monitor Team-based metrics to demonstrate effectiveness of Powerplant Programs Teams

Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description

May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to develop a strategic vision and communicate that vision clearly

Ability to be highly responsive and adaptable to efficiently manage quick-turn, tactical projects, as well as long-term transformational projects with the ability to effectively lead change and continuous improvement initiatives

Ability to communicate large and complex issues in a structured and concise manner, with the ability to develop executive level/board of director level communication and material including power point presentations and analysis

Ability to be a committed and passionate Leader of People, demonstrating strong communication skills, with the ability to motivate others

Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and inspire Teams to achieve targeted results

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, financial data/reports, and operational data to establish Key Performance Indicators

Ability to translate business and technology requirements into business process requirements

Ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate situations, organizations, contracts, and systems in order to recommend modifications and improvements

Thorough knowledge of organizational principles, management, and Leadership

Education

Required: High School Diploma or GED

Required: Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business Administration or other similar areas

Experience

Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)

Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area

Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:

Driving complex cross-functional initiatives and aligning stakeholders at all levels

Breaking down and solving ambiguous problems through quantitative and qualitative analysis

Developing strategies, plans, and decisions, and communicating them to executive leadership

Aerospace OEM, MRO, Technical Operations, Airline Operations, Planning or Strategy-related experience

Licensing/Certification

N/A

Physical Abilities

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

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

Must have the ability to properly manage highly sensitive and confidential information

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $210,400 per year to $233,800 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)

Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**

Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***

Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)

Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.

Explore more Benefits you’ll love:

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

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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R-2025-53576