[Hiring] AI Consultant @Southwest Airlines

Role Description

The AI Consultant supports business stakeholders and delivery Teams in shaping and delivering AI, ML, Generative AI, and Agentic AI solutions that address meaningful business needs.

• Define product vision, scope, and roadmap.
• Translate business requirements into clear, actionable work for development Teams.
• Coordinate execution across business and technology groups.
• Support data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization.
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI products, from opportunity identification and scoping through valuation and delivery.
• Guide the development of reliable, scalable AI solutions that support Southwest’s innovation, efficiency, and long-term strategic success.

This DFW-based role is offered as a remote workplace position, which may require travel for trainings, meetings, conferences, etc. Outside of those required visits, the majority of your working time may be spent in an approved remote location within the DFW area.

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.

Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge in both inductive and deductive reasoning, problem solving approaches, and AI techniques including machine learning, traditional and generative artificial intelligence.
• Intermediate knowledge in evaluating analytic methods to propose the appropriate end-to-end product roadmap for business problems.
• Intermediate knowledge in leveraging value definition frameworks and methodologies to size, scope, and prioritize various data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization initiatives.
• Skilled in leveraging enterprise communication tools to develop and deliver messaging of complex technical projects to appropriate stakeholders.
• Skilled in utilizing product management tools that align to SAFe principles to define the product roadmap and project plan used to ensure the project has the resources needed to complete tasks on time and ensures timely product delivery.
• Ability to build trust with all levels of Employees up to and including functional leaders and must have the ability to properly manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to lead moderate to complex data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization projects.
• Ability to communicate in an engaging way with strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences up to and including cross-functional leaders.
• Ability to adjust to a variety of situations and changing approaches/methodology if necessary in order to effectively and successfully meet objectives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
• Data analysis and advanced analytics.
• Consulting and management experience with data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence projects.
• Visualization and presentation development and delivery.
• Solving ambiguous and complex problems through a systems thinking approach.
• Preferred experience delivering AI/ML or data-driven product initiatives, including scoping, valuation, user story creation, and iterative delivery within Agile/SAFe environments.
• Preferred experience in stakeholder facilitation, executive-level communication, and translating complex technical topics into clear business language.
• Preferred familiarity with AI delivery methodologies, value sizing frameworks, and enterprise data ecosystems.
• Preferred experience with tools that support product roadmapping, backlog management, and cross-functional communication (e.g., Jira Align and Confluence).

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 meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information.
• Must be able to travel and/or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations as necessary.

Benefits

• Competitive market salary from $125,900 - $139,900 per year depending on qualifications and experience.
• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too).
• Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings.
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan - when Southwest profits, you profit.
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets).
• Health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment.