Senior Operations Research Developer

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

5d • $153,000 - $170,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Operations Research Developer will join the Network Optimization Team and translate operational requirements into technical solutions. The team’s optimization work affects airline operations across flights, aircraft, crew, and passengers. The role provides exposure to aircraft operations, crew planning and recovery, passenger movement, airport operations, and maintenance.

This is a remote workplace position. Travel may be required for trainings, meetings, conferences, and other necessary visits; otherwise, most working time may be spent away from the Corporate Campus. Employees in certain states and localities are ineligible to regularly work off-site: Alaska, Delaware, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.

The role requires expert-level experience and extensive knowledge applying Operations Research methods in a business environment, or a PhD with less business experience, as well as experience using Xpress, CPLEX, or other industrial-strength LP/IP tools. The position also provides leadership, guidance, and mentoring to less-experienced Team members.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a similar field, or equivalent advanced-level experience.
• Expert-level experience and expansive knowledge applying Operations Research methods in a business environment; a PhD with lesser business experience is accepted.
• Experience using Xpress, CPLEX, or other industrial-strength LP/IP tools.
• Knowledge of standard programming languages and associated development tools, such as compilers and debuggers.
• Knowledge of software development practices, concepts, and technology obtained through a college degree program, formal training, and/or work experience.
• Strong optimization aptitude and ability for logical and abstract thinking.
• Ability to partner, communicate, and negotiate effectively with business Customers and Technology development and support groups.
• Ability to perform root-cause analysis, design complex solutions, write code, test, document, and implement optimization projects.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems.
• Ability to work effectively in a Customer service- and Team-oriented environment, work independently where appropriate, and contribute ideas to other active Team projects.
• Ability to perform work duties at a limited-space workstation, desk, or office area for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact in English and use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance according to Company standards.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and comply with Company attendance standards.
• Must be able to travel to or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Foundational knowledge of AWS or other cloud infrastructure.
• Foundational knowledge of Linux-based development.
• Prior experience applying optimization methods in an airline environment.
• Experience or familiarity with the Scaled Agile Framework for Enterprise (SAFe).

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical models based on business requirements.
• Develop solution strategies to solve models.
• Develop code to implement solution strategies.
• Prepare technical documentation of models and solution strategies.
• Lead Team reviews of models, solution strategies, and code.
• Test applications to ensure they perform as expected and solve the correct problem.
• Lead reviews of solutions with business Customers to ensure they are acceptable.
• Calibrate models or solution strategies as needed.
• Work effectively with the Team, business Customers, Technology development Teams, and support groups.
• Support developed applications as needed, including creating enhancements or recalibrating them as business problems change.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to less-experienced Team members.
• 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.
• Company contributions to 401(k) retirement savings of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential annual ProfitSharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, at the Company's discretion and subject to plan terms.
• Competitive health insurance for the Employee and eligible dependents, including pets.
• Health plan coverage options beginning on the first day of employment, with 30 days to enroll and coverage retroactively available to the first day of employment.
• Additional bonus opportunities for eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, awarded at the Company's discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior