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.

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 Leaders

Authorities

• Take action, as deemed necessary, to resolve any problems or situations that may compromise safety or compliance
• When assigned by the Captain, direct the Flight Crew in a safe and efficient manner to meet the operational requirements of Southwest Airlines
• Delegate duties and authority defined for this position; responsibilities may not be delegated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able 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 programs, proficiency checks, and evaluation period
• Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
• Must be alert to moving equipment on the ramp and other aircraft in the air
• Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick (15 to 20 minute) turns of aircraft
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate information verbally, face to face, over public address systems, via radio, and other communication equipment
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team, meet the public and work under stressful situations

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree

Experience

• Preferred:

• 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine (airplane and/or power lift)

• Successfully completed all aspects of a Southwest Destination 225° pathway program

• Actively flying fixed-wing turbine for the last 3 years

• Turbine Pilot In Command (TPIC) time

• 121 airline, military, and/or U.S. based flight experience. (Experience from foreign military organizations or foreign commercial carriers is not considered equivalent for this requirement)

• B-737 type rating

• Held or currently holds an aviation‑related organizational Leadership position within a flight department of 10+ pilots (e.g., FAA‑designated Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Check Pilot; or military roles such as Commander, Director of Operations, Stan/Eval, NATOPS Evaluator, or equivalent)

• Demonstrated history of operational excellence in training and flight experience

• Notes on flight time:

• Do not include simulator, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO and UAV

• PIC time is defined as Captain or Aircraft Commander of record or pilot signing for the aircraft (not sole manipulator of the controls)

Licensing/Certification

• Required: USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate must display the following:

• "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings

• "English Proficient" limitation

• Required: 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

• Required: FCC - Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit

• Required: Must possess a valid United States Driver's License

• Required: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and not require Southwest Airlines to sponsor now or in the future

• Required: Must have a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States without restriction

• Required: Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain a CREW badge designation; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back

Physical Abilities

• Must be able to lift and move 40 lbs.
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to bend, stand, and sit for extended periods of time

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 appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization 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 be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
• Must be able to comply with company attendance standards and work rules, as described in labor agreements and/or established guidelines
• Ability to work rotating shifts, and or overtime and travel on a constant basis
• Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time

The 401(k) Company match contribution is subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

Pay Rate:

$125.90

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Job Posting End Date

10/08/2026