Aircraft Engineering Summer 2026 Internships

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: Notice: We ask that you apply with your personal email address rather than your school email (.edu) so we can stay connected about future roles at Southwest. Be sure to attach a resume to your application. Southwest Airlines' Engineer Internships span across several different Teams within the Engineering Department. Interns may be asked to support a variety of projects within one or more of the following Teams: • Aircraft Engineering: The Aircraft Engineering Teams work within the Technical Operations Department and develop Engineering solutions to address airworthiness concerns, regulatory requirements, and reliability issues. They coordinate with airframe and component manufacturers, such as Boeing and Honeywell, as well as Airframe Maintenance Service Providers concerning technical issues and maintenance tasks. Engineers also evaluate various policies and procedures to determine if changes are needed. • Powerplant Engineering: The Powerplant Engineering Teams work within the Technical Operations Department and coordinate engine and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) maintenance requirements with pertinent Departments and Field Service Engineers. In addition, they coordinate with powerplant manufacturers, like CFM, as well as engine Maintenance Service Providers concerning technical, maintenance, and operational problems. Engineers also evaluate engineering document policies and procedures to determine if changes are needed. All engine maintenance, both on-wing and off-wing, is directed and authorized by Powerplant Engineering. Additional Details • Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 – August 7, 2026. • Pay of $23-$25 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree • Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria • 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 (2702 Love Field Drive). • Dedicate 40 hours each week (maximum of 8 hours per day) to your internship responsibilities and tasks. • Receive free, unlimited space available travel privileges for yourself (taxes and fees may apply on international travel). • Interns will be provided any required equipment, such as a laptop, for the internship. • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available. Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of the Aircraft Engineering Intern may include, but are not limited to: • Work on various size engineering projects in a maintenance or operations environment. • The Intern will be utilized as an entry-level engineer and may get hands on experience with aircraft under supervision. • Assist with special projects and events as requested. • Perform some research projects. • Develop and maintain data structure to support analytics projects. • Support timely communication and updates related to initiatives in assigned areas. • Must possess the confidence to work with all levels of the department, from the frontline Employees to the Department Vice President. • Confident and effective presenting to department Leadership. • Light travel may be required to gain hands-on experience. • Create an Engineering Document (Engineering Authorization or Engineering Order) and ad hoc maintenance tasks. • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders. • Create an Engineering Document (EA or EO) and ad hoc maintenance tasks. • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills. • Ability to work independently and the willingness to function as part of a team. • Ability to multi-task and complete assignments with tight deadlines. • Ability to be flexible and adapt assignments and projects as needed. • Good oral and written communication skills required. Education: • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required. • Progress towards degree, major or minor in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Science, or other Engineering related degree. • Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred. • To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (as defined by your • university) at the time of application and during the internship. • At least 3 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred. • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application. Basic Qualifications: • Must be at least 18 years of age. • You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process. Experience: • Preferred: Work experience in an Aviation/Aerospace environment. • Preferred: Previous Work or Internship experience in an engineering related role. • Preferred: Participation in Aviation/Aerospace organizations and clubs. • Preferred: Completion of 9 hours of Engineering-related coursework. • Preferred: Understanding how to write technical documents/reports. • Preferred: A basic knowledge and understanding of current Engineering drawings and software to create them. • Preferred: Basic understanding and knowledge of maintaining the aircraft structure, avionics, aircraft performance, systems, avionics, interiors, and powerplant. • Preferred: Basic understanding of how to create software. • Preferred: Basic understanding of data analytics. Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply. Job Posting End Date 01/21/2026 Apply tot his job