Pilot - First Officer - Military Aviator Program

Department:

Flight 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:

Join a Team where flying is more than a job; it's a passion for connecting our People to what matters most. This First Officer - Military Aviator Program opportunity is designed for current U.S. military pilots who meet Southwest's First Officer minimum qualifications and are planning their transition to civilian aviation. Southwest is primarily targeting military aviators with a projected date of availability between April 1, 2027 and September 30, 2028 to join our pipeline for future First Officer opportunities. As a First Officer, you'll be a key member of our Flight Operations Team, responsible for safely operating our fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft while delivering the friendly, reliable service our Customers know and love. 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 our operation running smoothly and efficiently, directly impacting the travel experience of millions of Customers while embodying the Southwest Spirit in every flight.

To be considered for the Military Aviator Program, Candidates must:

Be a current U.S. military pilot

Have greater than six months remaining until their projected date of availability

Meet applicable Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring flight experience requirements

Possess a current military medical recommendation for flying

The Military Aviator Program (MAP) helps military pilots connect with Southwest earlier in their transition to civilian aviation. Selected participants may receive ongoing communication, mentorship, and guidance while completing military service and preparing for a potential future career at Southwest. Selection into MAP does not guarantee employment with Southwest. Participation in MAP and any potential future employment with Southwest Airlines remain subject to the Participant maintaining MAP eligibility and good standing, satisfying all MAP Participation Standards, successfully completing final validation, meeting all applicable Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring requirements, and completing required onboarding and employment screening. An unrestricted ATP certificate, FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit, and FAA First Class Medical are not required at the time of application but must be obtained before final MAP validation. Participation in MAP and any offer of employment remain subject to Southwest Airlines' hiring needs, business requirements, and sole discretion.

Pay & Benefits

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. Opportunities for additional pay for specified flying per the collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits you’ll love

• •Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, see all the destinations Southwest serves (your eligible dependents fly, too)
• •18% non-elective contribution (B-Fund) deposited into your 401(k)
• •A ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit**
• •Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• •Opportunity to purchase 10% off Southwest Airlines common stock, LUV, traded on NYSE
• •Company-paid Loss of License
• •Lowest industry debt
• •Flexible scheduling options
• •Industry competitive narrow body pay rates
• •Most days off. Period.
• •Best work rule package
• •Unmatched Culture
• •Explore more Benefits you’ll love: careers.southwestair.com/benefits
• •Visit our First Officer Military Aviator Program Career Page and FAQ

Job Summary

Join a Team where flying is more than a job; it’s a passion for connecting our People to what matters most. As a First Officer, you’ll be a key member of our Flight Operations Team, responsible for safely operating our fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft while delivering the friendly, reliable service our Customers know and love. 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 their seniority. First Officers play a vital role in keeping our operation running smoothly and efficiently, directly impacting the travel experience of millions of Customers while embodying the Southwest spirit in every flight.

Additional details

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. is required, and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

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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.

Responsibilities

• •Provides friendly service to and maintains positive relationships with all internal and external Customers
• •Works in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
• •Works in a highly organized environment, which demands close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all Ground Personnel
• •Must comply with all regulations and directives pertaining to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain.
• •All Pilots must 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 Manufacturer's recommendations
• •No person may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards. (Reference 14 CFR 91.9(a))
• •No person may operate an aircraft in a careless and reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. (Reference 14 CFR 91.13)
• •All Southwest Airlines Employees must comply with the Company's Policies on a Drug-Free Workplace and Alcohol Misuse.
• •No person may perform any function listed in 14 CFR 121, Appendix I while that person has a prohibited drug, as defined by that appendix, in his or her system. (Reference 14 CFR 121.455(b))
• •No person may perform any safety-sensitive function if the person has a verified positive drug test result on or has refused to submit to a drug test required by 14 CFR 121, Appendix I and the person has not met the requirements of that appendix for returning to the performances of safety-sensitive duties. (Reference 14 CFR 121.455(c))
• •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 his/her ability, or Southwest Airlines' ability, to perform within the parameters of safety, regulatory compliance, and fiscal responsibility
• •Performs as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated during flight and unable to assume command
• •A Pilot, at their discretion, from the time they pass through the security checkpoint at the start of a duty day and until they exit the secured area at the end of their duty may perform Passenger Assistance activities. These Passenger Assistance activities include but are not limited to pushing wheelchairs, assisting passengers with their luggage, and escorting passengers through the airport facility.
• •May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Lead