First Officer

Job Description

About the Company Southwest Airlines is committed to providing its Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged to improve the effectiveness of the airline, and Employees are given the same concern, respect and caring attitude within the organisation that they are expected to share with every Southwest Customer. Role Overview Department: Flight Operations. As a First Officer you will be a key member of the Flight Operations team, responsible for safely operating the Boeing 737 fleet while delivering the friendly, reliable service Southwest Customers know. Southwest offers one of the most flexible scheduling policies in the industry, giving all Pilots the freedom to shape their schedules to fit their lives regardless of seniority. First Officers play a vital role in keeping the operation running smoothly and efficiently, directly affecting the travel experience of millions of Customers. US citizenship or current authorisation to work in the US is required; no current or future work authorisation sponsorship is available. Key Responsibilities Provide friendly service to and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external Customers, working cooperatively to ensure the success of the Company. Work in a highly organised environment demanding close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all Ground Personnel. Comply with all regulations and directives pertaining to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain. Operate in accordance with Southwest Airlines FAA-approved and FAA-accepted manuals, the Operations Specifications, 14 CFRs, 49 CFRs, FAA Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, Handbook Bulletins, Directives and manufacturers' recommendations. Observe the operating limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards (14 CFR 91.9(a)), and never operate an aircraft carelessly or recklessly so as to endanger life or property (14 CFR 91.13). Comply with the Company's policies on a drug-free workplace and alcohol misuse, including the prohibitions in 14 CFR 121.455(b) and (c) on performing listed or safety-sensitive functions with a prohibited drug in the system or after a verified positive or refused drug test. Submit reports on irregularities or incidents as required. Immediately notify the Base Chief Pilot or Assistant Base Chief Pilot of any discrepancy or incident that may affect your ability, or the airline's ability, to perform within the parameters of safety, regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility. Perform as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated during flight and unable to assume command. At the Pilot's discretion, between passing through the security checkpoint at the start of a duty day and exiting the secured area at the end of duty, perform Passenger Assistance activities such as pushing wheelchairs, assisting passengers with luggage and escorting passengers through the airport. Perform other job duties as directed by leadership. Authorities. Take action as deemed necessary to resolve any problem or situation that may compromise safety or compliance; when assigned by the Captain, direct the flight crew safely and efficiently to meet operational requirements; delegate duties and authority defined for the position (responsibilities may not be delegated). Requirements Ability to read documents, follow instructions, listen, comprehend and repeat detailed lengthy instructions, and understand and retain procedures, rules and regulations. Must successfully complete initial and recurrent training programmes, proficiency checks and the evaluation period. Awareness of hazardous situations and the ability to handle emergencies as needed. Alertness to moving equipment on the ramp and other aircraft in the air. Ability to work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick 15 to 20 minute aircraft turns. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate information verbally, face to face, over public address systems, via radio and other communication equipment. Ability to work well in a team, meet the public and work under stressful situations. Education: high school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred. Physical: ability to lift and move 40 lbs; ability to communicate and interact with others in English; ability to bend, stand and sit for extended periods. Licences & Qualifications USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate displaying "Airplane Multiengine Land" category and class ratings and the "English Proficient" limitation. USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon. FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. Valid United States driver's licence. Must be authorised to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future. Valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States without restriction. Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain a CREW badge designation; the position requires successful and continuous enrolment in Rap Back. Experience Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine (airplane and/or powered lift). Successful completion of all aspects of a Southwest Destination 225 pathway program. Actively flying fixed-wing turbine for the last three years. Turbine Pilot-in-Command (TPIC) time. Part 121 airline, military and/or US-based flight experience (experience with foreign military organisations or foreign commercial carriers is not considered equivalent). B737 type rating. Held or currently holds an aviation-related organisational leadership position within a flight department of 10 or more pilots (for example FAA-designated Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Check Pilot; or military roles such as Commander, Director of Operations, Stan/Eval, NATOPS Evaluator or equivalent). A demonstrated history of operational excellence in training and flight experience. Notes on flight time. Do not include simulator, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO or UAV time. PIC time is defined as Captain or Aircraft Commander of record, or the pilot signing for the aircraft — not sole manipulator of the controls. What We Offer Starting pay of $125.90 per trip for pay (TFP) as defined in the collective bargaining agreement, with opportunities for future increases per the applicable contractual wage scale and additional pay for specified flying. The pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period. Fly free on any open seat on all Southwest flights — eligible dependents fly too. 18% non-elective contribution (B-Fund) deposited into your 401(k), subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits. A ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement. Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents. Opportunity to purchase Southwest Airlines common stock (LUV, NYSE) at a 10% discount. Company-paid Loss of License. Lowest industry debt. Flexible scheduling options and industry-competitive narrow-body pay rates. Most days off, the best work rule package and an unmatched culture. Additional Information Other qualifications. Must be willing to grant and share Southwest access to your Pilot Records Database (PRD) information as part of the interview and onboarding process; must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company standards; must be a US citizen or have authorisation to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986; must be at least 23 years of age at the time of hire; must comply with Company attendance standards and work rules as described in labour agreements and established guidelines; must be able to read, speak, write and understand English; and must be able to work rotating shifts and/or overtime and travel on a constant basis. Pay rate: $125.90. Job posting end date: 31 August 2026. Southwest is committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Requirements

• Provide friendly service to and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external Customers, working cooperatively to ensure the success of the Company.
• Work in a highly organised environment demanding close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all Ground Personnel.
• Comply with all regulations and directives pertaining to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain.
• Operate in accordance with Southwest Airlines FAA-approved and FAA-accepted manuals, the Operations Specifications, 14 CFRs, 49 CFRs, FAA Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, Handbook Bulletins, Directives and manufacturers' recommendations.
• Observe the operating limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards (14 CFR 91.9(a)), and never operate an aircraft carelessly or recklessly so as to endanger life or property (14 CFR 91.13).
• Comply with the Company's policies on a drug-free workplace and alcohol misuse, including the prohibitions in 14 CFR 121.455(b) and (c) on performing listed or safety-sensitive functions with a prohibited drug in the system or after a verified positive or refused drug test.
• Submit reports on irregularities or incidents as required.
• Immediately notify the Base Chief Pilot or Assistant Base Chief Pilot of any discrepancy or incident that may affect your ability, or the airline's ability, to perform within the parameters of safety, regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility.
• Perform as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated during flight and unable to assume command.
• At the Pilot's discretion, between passing through the security checkpoint at the start of a duty day and exiting the secured area at the end of duty, perform Passenger Assistance activities such as pushing wheelchairs, assisting passengers with luggage and escorting passengers through the airport.
• Perform other job duties as directed by leadership.
• Ability to read documents, follow instructions, listen, comprehend and repeat detailed lengthy instructions, and understand and retain procedures, rules and regulations.
• Must successfully complete initial and recurrent training programmes, proficiency checks and the evaluation period.
• Awareness of hazardous situations and the ability to handle emergencies as needed.
• Alertness to moving equipment on the ramp and other aircraft in the air.
• Ability to work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick 15 to 20 minute aircraft turns.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate information verbally, face to face, over public address systems, via radio and other communication equipment.
• Ability to work well in a team, meet the public and work under stressful situations.
• Education: high school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Physical: ability to lift and move 40 lbs; ability to communicate and interact with others in English; ability to bend, stand and sit for extended periods.
• USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate displaying "Airplane Multiengine Land" category and class ratings and the "English Proficient" limitation.
• USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon.
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• Valid United States driver's licence.
• Must be authorised to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future.

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
• Most days off, the best work rule package and an unmatched culture.