Associate Software Engineer - Direct College Hire

Position Overview

Join Southwest Airlines’ Technology Direct College Hire Program—a pathway designed for recent graduates and early career technology professionals. As an Associate Software Engineer, you will design, code, test, document, and implement integrated application systems in an agile, continuously deployed environment. Depending on team placement, you could join the Infrastructure team to develop automation solutions for engineers or the Airline Products team to support business processes through Salesforce. Build lasting relationships, receive on‐the‐job mentorship, and advance your career while contributing to Southwest’s commitment to connecting people.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply software development and testing knowledge to solve diverse problems.
• Leverage technical and non-technical insights to inform business requirements.
• Continuously update your skill set through education and professional development.
• Troubleshoot programs and system malfunctions to restore operations.
• Evaluate code for structural integrity and adherence to industry standards.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to assess design feasibility.
• Contribute in team-level technical discussions and decision-making.
• Follow agile delivery processes with a strong sense of urgency.
• Perform other job duties as directed by leadership.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent formal training.
• Entry-level experience developing skills and knowledge in software engineering.
• Proficient knowledge of at least one programming language and software development methodologies.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with React, AWS, Java, Python, Postgres, OpenShift, Docker, DevOps, Agile/Scrum, and GitLab.
• Knowledge of Basic DevSecOps/Agile practices, Secure Code Development, and CI/CD.
• Familiarity with AWS Lambdas, Python, EventBridge, Kafka, RabbitMQ, DynamoDB, Java, and S3.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive market salary from $86,850 - $96,500 per year (additional bonus opportunities available based on qualifications and experience).
• Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights (eligible dependents included).
• 401(k) retirement savings with company contributions up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan.
• Competitive health insurance coverage for you and your eligible dependents (including pets), available from your first day of employment.
• Explore more benefits at: Southwest Benefits