Associate Data Scientist - Direct College Hire

Work on AI that supports real airline operations with Southwest Airlines’ AI Delivery team. This remote associate role sits within the Technology department and includes exposure to the full AI product lifecycle, from stakeholder problem definition through model development and deployment of scalable solutions. Through the Technology Direct College Hire program, you will receive mentorship, professional development, and networking as you build skills in data science and machine learning.

This is a direct college hire opportunity in Dallas, TX (remote), with a salary range of USD 103,750 to 115,300 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

What you’ll do

• Work on moderately complex projects across data science, machine learning, traditional AI, generative AI, and optimization, partnering with stakeholders to understand contextual problems and deliver solutions aligned to business objectives
• Use math, statistics, and/or modeling to support descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
• Support the ongoing effectiveness of models used by stakeholders
• Formulate solutions and communicate results from analysis and models with some assistance from more experienced Data Scientists
• Contribute to the Southwest Airlines data science community to support the ongoing development of analytical IQ
• Perform other job duties as directed by leadership

AI Delivery team opportunities

Selected candidates will support one of the following teams:

• AI Delivery (Air Operations): Develop AI-powered solutions to support decision-making across Air Operations, partnering with stakeholders such as Network Operations Center (NOC), Crew Scheduling and Planning, Flight Operations, Inflight Operations, Operational Performance, and others. Build solutions using machine learning, optimization, and generative AI to support planning, forecasting, disruption management, and operational performance.
• AI Delivery (Technical Operations and Ground Operations): Partner with stakeholders across Ground Ops, Tech Ops, and other Air Ops functions to build AI-powered solutions for forecasting, staffing optimization, disruption management, planning, and operational performance. Build scalable products using machine learning, optimization, and generative AI, gaining exposure to the full AI product lifecycle while contributing to technology that supports safe, efficient, and reliable airline operations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field, or equivalent formal training
• Entry-level experience developing skills and knowledge in Data Science
• Knowledge of foundational statistics and math
• Knowledge of descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive/prescriptive statistical methods and how they differ
• Knowledge of the data science project life cycle, including engaging stakeholders to define the problem, define the solution, plan the work, and execute per plan
• Basic knowledge of how technology platforms and architectures apply to data science
• Skills in compiling, cleaning, transforming, analyzing, and visualizing large-scale data
• Skills in statistical and scripting programming languages
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences up to and including functional leaders
• Ability to collaborate with vendors and evaluate their platforms, solutions, and techniques
• Ability to evaluate which techniques are appropriate for a business problem and recommend solutions (data science, machine learning, AI, and optimization)
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, probability theory, and experimental design to validate AI model performance
• Ability to perform duties from a limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in English
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy
• Maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to comply with Company attendance standards
• Ability to meet confidentiality expectations for confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information
• Ability to travel and/or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations as necessary

Program details

• Pathway for early-career technology professionals with up to two years of professional experience, including recent college graduates
• Includes hands-on experience, mentorship, professional development, and networking
• Capped hiring for cohorts beginning January, June, and August 2027

Location and eligibility

• Remote workplace position that may require travel for training, meetings, and conferences
• Outside required visits, most working time may be remote away from the Corporate Campus
• Relocation assistance is not provided
• Applicants must reside in an eligible state by their first day of employment
• Ineligible locations include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required; no current or future work authorization sponsorship available

Technologies you may use

• Tableau, Power BI, Python, SQL, R, Java, Scala
• Agile, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Large language models (LLMs)

Benefits

• Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, including eligible dependents
• Company contributions to your 401(k) retirement savings up to 9.3% of eligible earnings
• Potential annual ProfitSharing contribution through the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan
• Competitive health insurance for you and eligible dependents, including pets
• Health plan coverage options that begin from the very first day of employment (30 days to select and enroll; coverage retroactively available to your first day)

Apply by 09/28/2026.