Principal ODA Consultant

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:

Southwest Airlines promises to provide Employees with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Principal ODA Consultant supports the Director of Technical Standards and Southwest’s ODA program in serving as a subject matter expert in aviation engineering and aircraft certification, applying deep knowledge of FAA regulations to ensure compliance and maintain airworthiness. They’ll focus on major repairs, alterations, and certification functions and facilitate design reviews and inspections. The Principal ODA Consultant is an organized and strategic thinker who is excited to provide technical expertise and regulatory insight across Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and external stakeholders. 

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

• Oversees the development and implementation of standards, policies, and procedures governing the preparation, review, and approval of Technical and Substantiating Data used by Southwest Airlines Engineering to support aircraft certification, repair, and alteration activities.
• Acts as a technical resource for Southwest Airlines Engineering on repair and alteration methods, techniques, and practices in accordance with FAA airworthiness standards, policies, and guidance. Ensures data is developed and substantiated in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including Part 25 and Part 43.Author and manage FAA correspondence on behalf of Southwest Airlines ODA Leadership regarding ODA activities, such as design reviews, inspections, tests, and approvals
• Leads and oversees the development and delivery of training materials and programs related to certification principles, technical data development, and substantiation methods to demonstrate compliance with FAA airworthiness standards.
• Serves as a communication focal point between Southwest Airlines Engineering and the FAA ACO, ECO, and CMO offices for certification projects, design approvals, and related ODA matters.
• Oversees the technical development of engineers and serves as a mentor to Team Members, fostering expertise in certification processes, regulatory compliance, and engineering substantiation techniques.
• Ensures the Southwest Airlines Engineering Team maintains awareness of current regulatory changes, FAA Orders, policy updates, and revisions to company manuals and engineering documentation that impact certification and airworthiness.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director Technical Standards/ Lead ODA Administrator and may assume the duties of the Director Technical Standards/ Lead ODA Administ