Operations Engineering Summer 2026 Intern

Notice: We ask that you apply with your personal email address rather than your school email (.edu) so we can stay connected about future roles at Southwest. Be sure to attach a resume to your application. 

The Operations Engineering Team works within the Network Operations Planning Department and assesses the performance of our aircraft fleet relative to desired network routes and operations. The team provides daily operational support and builds tools to optimize key performance parameters such as weight and balance considerations, runway and airport conditions, fuel usage, and aircraft communications while ensuring FAA regulatory compliance. These activities begin from aircraft model design, selection, and implementation prior to acquisition considering network route strategy to day-of operations and redesigns of our fleet as well as continued optimization throughout the life of an aircraft and the cities served.

Additional Details:

• Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 – August 7, 2026.

• Pay of $24-$27 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree

• Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria

• 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 (2702 Love Field Drive).

• Dedicate 40 hours each week (maximum of 8 hours per day) to your internship responsibilities and tasks.

• Receive free, unlimited space available travel privileges for yourself (taxes and fees may apply on international travel).

• Interns will be provided any required equipment, such as a laptop, for the internship.

• 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:  
The duties and responsibilities of the Business Development Intern may include, but are not limited to: 

• Work on various size engineering projects in a maintenance or operations environment. 

• Assist with special projects and events. 

• Update and maintain aircraft performance calculations. 

• Support operation through airport capability analysis and market studies. 

• Develop iOS and web-based applications to support operations. 

• Develop and maintain data structure to support analytics projects. 

• Support timely communication and updates related to initiatives in assigned areas. 

• Present research and analysis to Engineering and/or department leadership. 

• Demonstrate fundamental engineering principles as it pertains to operations. 

• Prepare substantiation documentation to justify actions and proposals. 

• Light travel may be required to gain hands-on experience. 

• The Intern will be utilized as an entry-level engineer and may get hands on experience with aircraft under supervision. 

• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills. 

• Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as part of a team. 

• Ability to multi-task and complete assignments with tight deadlines. 

• Ability to be flexible and adapt assignments and projects as needed. 

• Good oral and written communication skills required. 

Education: 

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required. 

• Progress towards at least a bachelor’s degree with a major/minor in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or other Engineering related degree.  

• Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred. 

• To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (as defined by your  

• university) at the time of application and during the internship.  

• 1-2 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred. 

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process. 

Experience: 

• Preferred: Work experience in an Aviation/Aerospace environment. 

• Preferred: Previous work or internship experience in an engineering related role. 

• Preferred: Participation in Aviation/Aerospace organizations and clubs. 

• Preferred: Completion of 9 hours of Engineering-related coursework. 

• Preferred: Understanding how to write technical documents/reports. 

• Preferred: A basic knowledge and understanding of current Engineering drawings and software. 

• Preferred: Basic understanding and knowledge of maintaining the aircraft structure, avionics, aircraft performance, systems, avionics, interiors, and powerplant. 

• Preferred: Basic understanding of how to create software is. 

• Preferred: Basic understanding of data analytics.