Pilot - First Officer - Military Aviator Program

Southwest Airlines•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join a Team where flying is more than a job; it's a passion for connecting our People to what matters most. This First Officer - Military Aviator Program opportunity is designed for current U.S. military pilots who meet Southwest's First Officer minimum qualifications and are planning their transition to civilian aviation. Southwest is primarily targeting military aviators with a projected date of availability between April 1, 2027 and September 30, 2028 to join our pipeline for future First Officer opportunities. As a First Officer, you'll be a key member of our Flight Operations Team, responsible for safely operating our fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft while delivering the friendly, reliable service our Customers know and love. Southwest offers one of the most flexible scheduling policies in the industry, giving all Pilots the freedom to shape their schedules to fit their lives, regardless of seniority. First Officers play a vital role in keeping our operation running smoothly and efficiently, directly impacting the travel experience of millions of Customers while embodying the Southwest Spirit in every flight. To be considered for the Military Aviator Program, Candidates must: Be a current U.S. military pilot Have greater than six months remaining until their projected date of availability Meet applicable Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring flight experience requirements Possess a current military medical recommendation for flying. The Military Aviator Program (MAP) helps military pilots connect with Southwest earlier in their transition to civilian aviation. Selected participants may receive ongoing communication, mentorship, and guidance while completing military service and preparing for a potential future career at Southwest. Selection into MAP does not guarantee employment with Southwest. Participation in MAP and any potential future employment with Southwest Airlines remain subject to the Participant maintaining MAP eligibility and good standing, satisfying all MAP Participation Standards, successfully completing final validation, meeting all applicable Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring requirements, and completing required onboarding and employment screening. An unrestricted ATP certificate, FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit, and FAA First Class Medical are not required at the time of application but must be obtained before final MAP validation. Participation in MAP and any offer of employment remain subject to Southwest Airlines' hiring needs, business requirements, and sole discretion.

Requirements

Be a current U.S. military pilot
Have greater than six months remaining until their projected date of availability
Meet applicable Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring flight experience requirements
Possess a current military medical recommendation for flying
Must be able to read documents, follow instructions, listen, comprehend and repeat detailed lengthy instructions, and understand and retain procedures, rules and regulations
Must successfully complete initial and recurrent training programs, proficiency checks, and evaluation period
Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
Must be alert to moving equipment on the ramp and other aircraft in the air
Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick (15 to 20 minute) turns of aircraft
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate information verbally, face to face, over public address systems, via radio, and other communication equipment
Ability to work well with others as part of a team, meet the public and work under stressful situations
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Required: USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate must display the following: "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings "English Proficient" limitation
Required: USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon
Required: FCC - Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Required: Must possess a valid United States Driver's License
Required: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and not require Southwest Airlines to sponsor now or in the future
Required: Must have a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the United States without restriction
Required: Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain a CREW badge designation; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back
Must be able to lift and move 40 lbs.
Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
Ability to bend, stand, and sit for extended periods of time
Must be willing to grant and share Southwest access to your Pilot Records Database (PRD) information as part of the interview and onboarding process
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 23 years of age at the time of hire
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
Must be able to comply with company attendance standards and work rules, as described in labor agreements and/or established guidelines
Ability to work rotating shifts, and or overtime and travel on a constant basis

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine (airplane and/or power lift)
Successfully completed all aspects of a Southwest Destination 225° pathway program
Actively flying fixed-wing turbine for the last 3 years
Turbine Pilot In Command (TPIC) time
121 airline, military, and/or U.S. based flight experience. (Experience from foreign military organizations or foreign commercial carriers is not considered equivalent for this requirement)
B-737 type rating
Held or currently holds an aviation‑related organizational Leadership position within a flight department of 10+ pilots (e.g., FAA‑designated Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Check Pilot; or military roles such as Commander, Director of Operations, Stan/Eval, NATOPS Evaluator, or equivalent)
Demonstrated history of operational excellence in training and flight experience

Responsibilities

Provides friendly service to and maintains positive relationships with all internal and external Customers
Works in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
Works in a highly organized environment, which demands close coordination and teamwork with the Captain, Flight Attendants, Dispatcher and all Ground Personnel
Must comply with all regulations and directives pertaining to the conduct of the flight in a manner suitable to the Captain.
All Pilots must operate in accordance with Southwest Airlines FAA Approved and FAA Accepted manuals, the Operations Specifications, 14 CFRs, 49 CFRs, FAA Orders, Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, Handbook Bulletins, Directives, and Manufacturer's recommendations
No person may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified in the approved Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Manual, markings and placards. (Reference 14 CFR 91.9(a))
No person may operate an aircraft in a careless and reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. (Reference 14 CFR 91.13)
All Southwest Airlines Employees must comply with the Company's Policies on a Drug-Free Workplace and Alcohol Misuse.
No person may perform any function listed in 14 CFR 121, Appendix I while that person has a prohibited drug, as defined by that appendix, in his or her system. (Reference 14 CFR 121.455(b))
No person may perform any safety-sensitive function if the person has a verified positive drug test result on or has refused to submit to a drug test required by 14 CFR 121, Appendix I and the person has not met the requirements of that appendix for returning to the performances of safety-sensitive duties. (Reference 14 CFR 121.455(c))
Submit reports on irregularities or incidents, as required
Immediately notify the Base Chief Pilot or Assistant Base Chief Pilot of any discrepancy or incident that may affect his/her ability, or Southwest Airlines' ability, to perform within the parameters of safety, regulatory compliance, and fiscal responsibility
Performs as Captain should the Captain become incapacitated during flight and unable to assume command
A Pilot, at their discretion, from the time they pass through the security checkpoint at the start of a duty day and until they exit the secured area at the end of their duty may perform Passenger Assistance activities. These Passenger Assistance activities include but are not limited to pushing wheelchairs, assisting passengers with their luggage, and escorting passengers through the airport facility.
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Benefits

Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, see all the destinations Southwest serves (your eligible dependents fly, too)
18% non-elective contribution (B-Fund) deposited into your 401(k)
A ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
Opportunity to purchase 10% off Southwest Airlines common stock, LUV, traded on NYSE
Company-paid Loss of License
Lowest industry debt
Flexible scheduling options
Industry competitive narrow body pay rates
Most days off. Period.
Unmatched Culture