Ground Support Equipment Technician - HOU

Southwest Airlines • Houston, TX

3d • 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 ensuring equipment operates safely to support flight operations and airport activity. The role 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, and shift trading may be available. The position may require travel by airplane to other cities for field service work, sometimes including overnight stays.

The listed pay is $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. Benefits include free space-available travel on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents, a company 401(k) match, potential annual profit-sharing contributions, and health insurance options for the employee and eligible dependents, with coverage available retroactively to the first day of employment.

Applicants must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or have current U.S. work authorization, and hold a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license. The role requires a complete set of mechanic’s tools, ability to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements, completion of training and a six-month probationary evaluation period, and compliance with Company appearance and attendance standards.

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 and technical manuals, research electrical and hydraulic schematics, follow instructions, and learn and understand procedures, rules, and regulations, including federal and local security regulations.
• Ability to work under tight time constraints and stressful situations, and to communicate effectively in writing and verbally and work well with others as part of a team.
• Proficiency in arc, gas, and MIG welding, use of a cutting torch, metal fabrication, and equipment spray painting.
• Valid state motor vehicle operator’s license; ability to obtain and maintain 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 meet the physical requirements of the position, including working near ramps, hangars, and terminals; regularly lifting and moving items up to 50 pounds; frequently climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, and stooping for extended periods; and working in confined spaces or potentially hazardous areas.
• Ability to work through inclement weather, varied shifts, overtime, holidays, and weekends, and comply with Company attendance and appearance standards.
• Complete set of mechanic’s tools.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete the training program and six-month probationary evaluation period.
• May need to travel by airplane to other cities for field service work, potentially including overnight stays.

Nice To Haves

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

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 keep current with relevant knowledge, information, and equipment.
• 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 Employee’s Leaders.

Benefits

• Free space-available travel on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Company 401(k) match contribution, dollar-for-dollar up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, subject to plan terms and vesting.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan.
• Competitive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, with coverage options effective from the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

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