Operations Research Developer

Department Technology 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 As an Operations Research Developer, you’ll help turn Southwest’s complex operational challenges into mathematical models and scalable decision-support solutions. Partnering with Operations stakeholders across Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, Crew Training, Ground Operations, and the Network Operations Center, you’ll translate business requirements and constraints into models, develop code to solve them, and test and refine solutions alongside experienced Team Members. You’ll also collaborate with Technology Teams and business Customers to ensure each solution addresses the right problem, performs as expected, and evolves as operational needs change. Through mathematical modeling, thoughtful development, and cross-functional partnership, you’ll help strengthen Southwest’s decision-making capabilities and deliver production-ready solutions that improve operational efficiency, create measurable value, and support better outcomes for our Employees and Customers. 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. 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 Support the develop mathematical models based on business requirementsAssist in developing solution strategies to solve models developed by the TeamDevelop code to implement solution strategies under the guidance of more-experienced Team membersAssist in preparing technical documentation of models and solution strategiesParticipate in reviews of models, solution strategies, and code with the TeamAssist in testing applications to insure they perform as expected, and solve the correct problemParticipate in reviews of solutions with business Customers to ensure that they are acceptable.Assist in calibrating the model or solution strategy as neededWork effectively with the rest of the Team, Business Customers, Technology development Teams, and support groupsSupport developed applications as needed with guidance from more-experienced Team membersAssist with enhancements or recalibration as the business problem changesSeek guidance from more-experienced Team members as appropriateMust be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this descriptionMay perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Basic knowledge of a modern programming languageBasic knowledge of software development, practice, concepts, and technology obtained through college degree program, formal training and or work experienceCritical Skills:Demonstrates basic optimization aptitude and ability for logical and abstract thinkingFocus on partnering and communication when interacting with business Customers and technology development and support groupsAbility to design basic solutions, write code, perform testing, create documentation, and implement optimization projectsAbility to analyze and resolve basic problemsAbility to work effectively in a strong Customer service/team oriented environment Education Required: High School Diploma or GED Experience Experience using LP/IP tools in an academic environmentSoftware development experience in an academic environmentPreferred: Experience applying operations research principles, methodologies, and analytical techniques to solve complex transportation, logistics, or operational business challenges Licensing/Certification N/A Physical Abilities Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of timeAbility to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the jobAbility 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 guidelinesMust be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986Must be at least 18 years of ageMust be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelinesPreferred prior academic or business experience applying optimization methods in an airline environmentPreferred training or experience using SAS, SPSS, R, or similar statistical tools to create statistical modelsPreferred C++ coding experienceMust be able to travel and / or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations such as remote-based offices as necessary Pay & Benefits Competitive market salary from $132,200 per year to $146,900 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: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefitsPay 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. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply. Job Posting End Date 10/14/2026