Southwest Airline Career Page · 1 day ago
Operations Engineering Summer 2026 Intern
Southwest Airlines is committed to providing a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Operations Engineering Intern will work within the Network Operations Planning Department, assisting with various engineering projects, maintaining aircraft performance calculations, and supporting operations through analysis and application development.
Airlines/Aviation
Responsibilities
Work on various size engineering projects in a maintenance or operations environment
Assist with special projects and events
Update and maintain aircraft performance calculations
Support operation through airport capability analysis and market studies
Develop iOS and web-based applications to support operations
Develop and maintain data structure to support analytics projects
Support timely communication and updates related to initiatives in assigned areas
Present research and analysis to Engineering and/or department leadership
Demonstrate fundamental engineering principles as it pertains to operations
Prepare substantiation documentation to justify actions and proposals
Light travel may be required to gain hands-on experience
The Intern will be utilized as an entry-level engineer and may get hands on experience with aircraft under supervision
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Qualification
Required
U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available
Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as part of a team
Ability to multi-task and complete assignments with tight deadlines
Ability to be flexible and adapt assignments and projects as needed
Good oral and written communication skills required
High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required
Progress towards at least a bachelor's degree with a major/minor in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or other Engineering related degree
To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (as defined by your university) at the time of application and during the internship
Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application
Must be at least 18 years of age
You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process
Preferred
Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred
1-2 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred
Work experience in an Aviation/Aerospace environment
Previous work or internship experience in an engineering related role
Participation in Aviation/Aerospace organizations and clubs
Completion of 9 hours of Engineering-related coursework
Understanding how to write technical documents/reports
A basic knowledge and understanding of current Engineering drawings and software
Basic understanding and knowledge of maintaining the aircraft structure, avionics, aircraft performance, systems, avionics, interiors, and powerplant
Basic understanding of how to create software
Basic understanding of data analytics
Benefits
Free, unlimited space available travel privileges for yourself (taxes and fees may apply on international travel)
Interns will be provided any required equipment, such as a laptop, for the internship.
Company
Southwest Airline Career Page
At Southwest Airlines we connect People to what’s important in their lives—that also means connecting our Employees to what’s important in their lives! Our Employees value the opportunity to work hard, be creative, and have fun on the job.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase