Technical Standards Consultant

Southwest Airlines promises to provide Employees with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Technical Standards Consultant leads process improvement and compliance initiatives that strengthen the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Southwest Airlines' maintenance programs.

• 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.
• Conducts regulatory research, interprets guidance, and develops actionable strategies to help ensure Tech Ops maintains the highest levels of safety and compliance.
• 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
• 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

• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives and influencing compliance outcomes within a Part 121 air carrier environment
• Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized 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)
• 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
• Ability to be an effective communicator across varying levels of an organization
• Ability to research and understand federal regulation and guidance
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and their maintainability
• Skilled 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)
• Understand problems and inefficiencies in technical processes
• Ability to reconcile multiple variables when making decisions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Skilled 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
• Skilled in identifying 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 continuous improvement projects from concept to completion

• Competitive market salary from $103,750 per year to $115,300 per year
• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights
• 401(k) with Company contributions up to 9.3%
• ProfitSharing contribution
• Competitive health insurance

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.