Ground Support Equipment Technician - STL

Southwest Airlines • St Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technicians maintain, diagnose, and repair the trucks, carts, de-icing equipment, and other ground equipment used in airline operations. The work includes building, repairing, painting, and maintaining equipment to ensure it operates safely and supports airport and flight operations. The position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which sets pay, schedules, and other employment terms. Schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime may be required, and shift trades may be available. The role pays $35.77 per hour plus a $3.00-per-hour skill premium, with potential future increases under the applicable CBA wage scale. Overtime and shift premiums are available.

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States; the company does not provide current or future work-authorization sponsorship. The role requires a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license, the ability to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements, and a complete set of mechanic’s tools. Travel by airplane to other cities for field service work, including overnight stays, may be required. Employees must complete the training program and a six-month probationary evaluation period.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of heavy truck and/or equipment repair experience with a technical degree, or five years of such experience in lieu of a technical degree.
• Proficiency maintaining and repairing electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to perform minor or major body repair.
• Ability to read documents, follow instructions, and learn and understand procedures, rules, and regulations, including federal and local security regulations.
• Ability to read and research technical manuals and electrical and hydraulic schematics.
• Ability to work under tight time constraints and stressful situations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work well with others as part of a team.
• Proficiency in arc, gas, and MIG welding, cutting torch use, metal fabrication, and equipment spray painting.
• Valid state motor vehicle operator’s license, maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States; no current or future work-authorization sponsorship is available.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to comply with Company attendance and appearance standards.
• Complete set of mechanic’s tools.
• Ability to work varied shifts and overtime, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete the training program and six-month probationary evaluation period.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or an automotive/equipment repair technical degree.
• Experience using a computer inventory tracking system.
• ASE certification and A/C certification.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair automotive, ramp, provisioning, and de-icing equipment used in the airline industry.
• Perform preventive and unscheduled maintenance on airline ground equipment.
• Attend initial and ongoing classroom and/or on-the-job training and keep knowledge current to maintain proficiency.
• Create and track work orders promptly in the maintenance tracking program.
• Wear the Company visual identification card prominently above the waist.
• 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 dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match contribution up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Retirement Savings Plan.
• Competitive health insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with coverage options beginning on the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

What This Job Offers

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