Ground Support Equipment Technician - STL

Southwest Airlines • St. Louis, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Ground Support Equipment Technicians maintain and repair the trucks, carts, de-icing equipment, and other ground equipment used in airline operations. The role includes building, repairing, painting, and ensuring equipment operates safely so flights can depart smoothly and airport operations can continue. The position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which governs pay, schedules, and other job details. Schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime may sometimes be required to support flight operations; shift trading may be available.

Pay is $35.77 per hour plus a $3.00-per-hour skill premium, with future increases possible under the applicable CBA wage scale based on time in position. Overtime and shift premiums are available. The role requires U.S. citizenship or current U.S. work authorization; sponsorship is not available. The employee must be at least 18, maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license, obtain and maintain a SIDA badge, and meet local airport requirements. Travel by airplane to other cities for field service may be required, sometimes including overnight stays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of heavy truck and/or equipment repair experience with a technical degree, or five years of heavy truck and/or equipment repair 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, as well as use of a cutting torch.
• Proficiency in metal fabrication and equipment spray painting.
• Valid state motor vehicle operator’s license; must obtain and maintain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; no work authorization sponsorship is available.
• Must comply with Company appearance and attendance standards and satisfactorily complete the training program and six-month probationary evaluation period.
• Must have a complete set of mechanic’s tools.
• Must be able to work varied shifts and overtime, including holidays and weekends.
• Must meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting and moving items up to 50 pounds regularly; frequent climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, and stooping for extended periods; working in confined spaces or potentially hazardous areas; and working near ramps, hangars, and terminals.
• May be required to work through inclement weather and travel by airplane to other cities for field service, potentially with overnight stays.

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 or on-the-job training and maintain current job knowledge and 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 standby travel on open seats on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Company dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match contribution up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, subject to plan terms and vesting schedule.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to plan terms and Company discretion.
• Competitive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, with coverage options beginning on the first day of employment and enrollment within 30 days.

What This Job Offers

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