The posting
Department:
Technical Operations
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
The Regulatory Affairs Investigator supports Technical Operations by conducting investigations into regulatory compliance events and concerns that impact Southwest’s maintenance and operational activities. They’ll analyze findings, prepare detailed reports, and coordinate corrective actions that support regulatory compliance and help prevent recurrence. They’ll serve as a key liaison between Technical Operations and the Federal Aviation Administration, managing regulatory communications and disclosures while supporting ongoing compliance efforts. The Regulatory Affairs Investigator leverages strong investigative, analytical, technical writing, communication, and computer skills to mitigate regulatory risk, support compliance, quickly adapt to new systems and applications, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of Southwest Airlines.
Additional Details:
- The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.
- U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.
We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Responsibilities
- Perform investigations related to regulatory noncompliance to establish root cause, identify improvement opportunities, and identify comprehensive fixes that will mitigate reoccurrence
- Coordinate and conduct meetings with Sr Leadership and multi-disciplinary Teams for the development of strategic resolutions for regulatory matters
- Provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding Southwest Airlines policy and applicable regulatory guidance
- Collaborate with the Southwest Airlines General Counsel for the resolution of enforcement actions
- Prepare detailed written reports and presentations for internal and external Stakeholders for the purpose of sharing facts gathered in an investigation
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to formulate responses to Letters of Investigation (LOIs), Voluntary Self Disclosures (VSDs), Compliance Action (CASW), and General correspondence (GSW) or any other regulatory correspondence on behalf of Southwest Airlines
- Establish and maintain a working relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory entities that inspires trust and confidence
- Assign and monitor regulatory corrective actions through tracking and management of regulatory commitments
- Demonstrate adaptability by willingly taking on unplanned tasks outside of core responsibilities to support the broader success of Southwest Airlines
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of analyzing and interpreting federal aviation regulations to ensure compliance and operational standards at Southwest Airlines
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services
- Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
- Skilled in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
- Proficiency in writing clear, concise, and accurate regulatory correspondence
- Skilled in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
- Ability to understand and interpret the Code of Federal Regulations and technical documents
- Ability to determine Root Cause and Corrective actions utilizing applicable methods,5 Whys, Bow Tie, or Fishbone methods
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in:Aircraft maintenance, regulatory compliance, regulatory affairs, auditing, engineering or aircraft certification Quality department performing audits, investigations and root cause analysis
- Preferred: Knowledge of FAA regulations and airline maintenance operations
- Preferred: Experience with Southwest systems (e.g., Maintenix, MXI, AirVault).
Licensing/Certification
- N/A
Physical Abilities
- Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
- Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
- Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Other Qualifications
- 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 18 years of age
- Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
- Must maintain confidentiality of proprietary information handled during daily tasks
- Must be able to work extended hours as needed based on operational demands
- Air travel with frequent overnight stays required
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $103,750 per year to $115,300 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the Company.
Benefits you’ll love:
- Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
- Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
- Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
- Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
- Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
- Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
*Pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.
**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.
*** Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.
