Ground Support Equipment Technician - HOU

Southwest Airlines • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technicians maintain, repair, build, and paint the ground equipment Southwest Airlines uses, including trucks, carts, and de-icing equipment. The role supports safe and reliable ground operations so flights can depart smoothly. Technicians perform preventive and unscheduled maintenance, diagnose equipment problems, and document their work in the maintenance tracking program.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which sets pay, schedules, and other employment 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 may be available. The role may also involve travel by airplane to other cities for field service work, including overnight stays.

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 may be available. Southwest provides free standby travel on open seats for employees and eligible dependents, a 401(k) company match, potential profit sharing, and health insurance options beginning on the first day of employment.

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 in 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, which must be maintained.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements.
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not available.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to meet Company attendance standards and satisfactorily complete the training program and six-month probationary evaluation period.
• Ability to work varied shifts and/or overtime, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work near ramps, hangars, and terminals; lift and move items up to 50 pounds regularly; and climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop frequently for extended periods.
• Ability to work in confined spaces or potentially hazardous areas and, if required, in inclement weather.
• Ability to maintain a well-groomed appearance in accordance with Company appearance standards.
• Must have a complete set of mechanic's tools.

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 maintain current knowledge of relevant 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 travel on any open seat on Southwest flights for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) company match contribution up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, subject to the plan's vesting schedule.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to vesting and Company discretion.
• Competitive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, with plan options starting from 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