Aircraft Maintenance Summer 2026 Internships

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

2d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

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. Southwest Airlines' Aircraft Maintenance Internships span across several different Teams within the Tech Ops Department. If hired, Interns may be asked to support a variety of projects within one of the following Teams: Maintenance Reliability Intern: The MX Reliability Team ensures that the requirements of the SWA Reliability Program are satisfied by performing continuous analysis of the effectiveness of the Maintenance Program. The MX Reliability Intern will support the Technical Operations Reliability Team in promoting safety, efficiency, and innovation by assisting with projects aimed at improving Southwest Airlines aircraft reliability. This role provides hands-on experience in data analysis, reporting, and process improvement initiatives that contribute to maintaining low costs, modernizing operations, and enhancing maintenance reliability. The intern will collaborate with multiple operational departments, learn industry best practices, and help communicate findings to various audiences. Aircraft Appearance Intern: Aircraft Appearance Intern supports our Maintenance Operations in all seven of our Hangar locations. We provide services for non-maintenance (cleaning) functions in preparation for Aircraft Maintenance. Additionally, we provide overnight Aircraft cleaning and TSA approved security searches for our entire fleet throughout the Southwest system. This service is provided on every Aircraft, every night through contracted vendor partners, of which our Team has full oversight. Additional Details Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 – August 7, 2026. Pay of $20-$22 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria 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. 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.

Requirements

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to analyze and comprehend basic technical data (e.g., Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Structural Repair Manual)
• Strong analytical skills with ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy
• Planning skills with strong problem-solving ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to stay organized and manage multiple concurrent assignments
• Must be able to work successfully in a team environment and build strong interpersonal relationships
• Works well in a culture that is open, direct, respectful, courteous, and compassionate
• Quick learner, self-motivated, and team-oriented
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required
• Progress toward a degree, major, or minor in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Maintenance Science, Aviation, Engineering or similar degree required
• 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
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Nice To Haves

• Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred
• At least 3 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application

Responsibilities

• Assist with and lead projects to improve department processes and procedures
• Support projects to enhance data gathering and analysis
• Perform data entry and conduct detailed analysis
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new tools and equipment
• Assist with training program development and delivery
• Prepare and deliver presentations for meetings, training sessions, and workshops
• Collect and analyze aircraft operational data to identify trends and reliability issues
• Support validation and distribution of reliability reports required by FAA-approved programs
• Estimate feasibility and resource needs for reliability improvement projects
• Collaborate with team members to streamline processes and document solutions
• Work with technical data consultants to interpret and summarize complex data for technical and non-technical audiences
• Participate in monitoring project risks and assist in tracking issues and scope changes
• Conduct research and provide follow-up on emerging maintenance issues under senior team guidance
• Perform other duties as assigned to support reliability initiatives

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees