Technical Data Manager

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:

Job Summary

Interested in owning the technical documentation that drives the safety and reliability of Southwest’s fleet? As a Technical Data Manager, you will lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of aircraft maintenance documentation that supports our maintenance program and operational standards. You will ensure alignment with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidance, engineering direction, and regulatory requirements while overseeing change control activities and coordinating across engineering, technical operations, and regulatory partners. In this role, you will champion documentation quality, strengthen technical clarity, and contribute directly to the modernization and long‑term readiness of our fleet. 

 

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

• Provide effective communication with customers (internal and external) to ensure compliance and effective execution of the maintenance program
• Manage change requests from internal and external customers to help ensure effective, compliant and efficient maintenance programs
• Perform data analysis to effectively develop or revise programs, processes or procedures
• Perform station visits, as required, to support Maintenance Programs
• Create, revise, and maintain maintenance-related technical documentation in accordance with engineering, OEM, and regulatory standards (Pubs)
• Analyze and implement OEM data updates across technical manuals and content repositories
• Manage document change requests, version control, and publishing timelines.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, Quality and other stakeholders to resolve documentation discrepancies
• Interpret and incorporate regulatory directives and service information into technical data
• Assist with mentoring associate-level contributors
• Participate in audits and regulatory reviews, ensuring documentation readiness
• Identify and propose process improvements for continuous efficiency development of the department
• Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of mechanical systems and maintainability, aircraft preferred but not required
• Understanding of maintenance programs and compliance standards
• Ability to identify problems, perform root cause analysis, investigate information, perform impact analysis, and formulate and execute plans to develop solutions
• Foundational in interpreting regulatory, OEM documentation, and Engineering documents, such as but not limited to MRBR, MPD, AMM, IPC, ADs, SBs, STCs, Engineering Orders, Design Drawings.
• Proficient in interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead, influence, collaborate, and adapt within cross-functional team environments; consistently effective under pressure and within proposed deadlines
• Understanding of aircraft maintenance concepts and documentation standards
• Strong technical writing, editing, and organizational skills
• Effective collaborator with good time management
• Agile and adaptable working in a dynamic and deadline driven environment

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Intermediate level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:
  • Aircraft maintenance, maintenance program management, and/or technical data development and documentation

Licensing/Certification

• Must be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet local airport security requirements

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

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $93,950 per year to $104,400 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.
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