[Hiring] Associate Data Scientist @Southwest Airlines

Role Description

Our Technology Direct College Hire Program is a pathway for early-career technology professionals with up to two years of professional experience, including recent college graduates ready to begin the next chapter of their careers. Through this program you’ll receive hands-on experience, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, you'll build meaningful connections, strengthen your technical skills, and gain the experience needed for long-term success.

We're currently hiring for cohorts beginning in January, June, and August 2027.

As an Associate Data Scientist supporting an AI Delivery Team, you'll help develop AI-powered solutions that improve decision-making across Southwest's operations. Unlike many entry-level data science roles that focus primarily on model development, this role provides exposure to the full AI product lifecycle. You'll partner with business stakeholders to:

• Understand operational challenges
• Analyze and prepare data
• Create visualizations
• Evaluate machine learning, optimization, and generative AI approaches
• Support the development, testing, and deployment of scalable solutions

Working alongside experienced Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Software Engineers, and Machine Learning Operations Teams, you'll help deliver technology that enhances:

• Forecasting
• Planning
• Disruption management
• Staffing optimization
• Operational performance

We’re hiring multiple Associate Data Scientist roles in the Technology Department. Selected Candidates will support one of the following Teams:

• AI Delivery (Air Operations) : Develops AI-powered solutions that support decision-making across Southwest's Air Operations organization.
• AI Delivery (Technical Operations and Ground Operations) : Partners with stakeholders across Ground Ops, Tech Ops, and other Air Ops functions to develop AI-powered solutions.

This role is offered as a remote workplace position, which may require travel for training, meetings, conferences, etc. Outside of those required visits, the majority of your working time may be spent in a remote location, away from our Corporate Campus.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field; or equivalent formal training

Requirements

• Entry-level experience; developing skills and knowledge in Data Science
• Intermediate level experience preferred in:
• Mathematics, statistics, and data modeling principles
• Data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or advanced analytics projects
• Data preparation, data pipelines, feature engineering, and data science programming concepts
• Data visualization, storytelling, and presentation development using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms
• Programming languages such as Python, SQL, R, Java, or Scala
• Generative AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, large language models (LLMs), or agentic AI concepts
• Agile or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies
• Solving ambiguous and complex problems through a systems thinking approach
• Building relationships and trust across functional organizations

Benefits

• Competitive market salary from $103,750 per year to $115,300 per year depending on qualifications and experience
• Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• 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
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
• Health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment

Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

Company Description

We are committed to providing 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.