Aircraft Appearance Technician - HOU

Southwest Airlines • Houston, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Aircraft Appearance Technicians help keep Southwest Airlines aircraft clean, safe, and ready to fly. They clean the interiors and exteriors of airplanes, replace seat covers and aisle rugs, and maintain tools and work areas. The work takes place in hangars or on ramps, and may involve driving vehicles to move equipment. Employees follow safety rules to protect Southwest Teams and Customers.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which sets pay, schedules, and other job details. Schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime may be required to support flight operations; shift trading opportunities may also be available. The advertised pay is $22.27 per hour, with potential future increases under the applicable CBA wage scale, as well as opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license, and be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not available. The role requires compliance with Company attendance and appearance standards and the physical ability to work in confined areas, climb, kneel, squat, sit, stand for extended periods, and regularly lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Southwest offers free standby travel on open seats for Employees and eligible dependents, Company contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, potential annual ProfitSharing contributions, and health insurance options for Employees and eligible dependents, including pets. Health plan coverage options begin on the first day of employment, with 30 days to select and enroll and coverage retroactively available to the first day of employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license, which must be maintained.
• Ability to obtain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to read documents, follow instructions, and learn and understand operating procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including adverse weather, extreme heat or cold, and aircraft noise.
• Ability to remain alert to moving vehicles and aircraft and use radio equipment as needed.
• Ability to communicate information and instructions in writing, verbally, or by radio as needed.
• Ability to be trained to operate a forklift, tug, and scissor and boom lifts at heights of up to 40 feet.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders, stairs, and stands while cleaning aircraft, including during washing and waxing.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime.
• Ability to work in confined areas, reach, and stand for long periods while washing and waxing aircraft.
• Ability to climb, kneel, squat, and sit while replacing carpet and seat covers and performing cleaning tasks.
• Ability to regularly lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance in accordance with Company appearance standards.
• Must comply with Company attendance standards.

Responsibilities

• Clean, wash, and polish the interiors and exteriors of airplanes, airplane parts, maintenance equipment, shops, and hangars.
• Replace aircraft seat covers and aisle rugs during service checks, turnarounds, or through-flights.
• Drive motor vehicles when necessary in connection with Appearance Technician work.
• Carry out safety and security initiatives as directed by Southwest Airlines or the FAA.
• Perform other job duties as directed by the Employee’s Leaders.

Benefits

• Free travel on open seats on Southwest flights for Employees and eligible dependents.
• Company Retirement Savings Plan contributions of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential annual ProfitSharing contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan.
• Competitive health insurance for Employees and eligible dependents, including pets.
• Health plan coverage options available from the first day of employment, with coverage retroactively available to that date when enrolled within 30 days.
• Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED