Southwest Airlines

Associate Cybersecurity Engineer - Direct College Hire

Southwest Airlines$89K — $99K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Up to 2 years of professional experience in technology, including recent graduates.
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant fields like Computer Science or Cybersecurity.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals and risk management concepts.
  • Familiarity with cloud services, particularly AWS.
  • Intermediate proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python or Java.

Responsibilities

  • Provide security guidance to teams to address vulnerabilities and risks.
  • Deliver training on key cybersecurity systems and automated environments.
  • Respond to production program issues promptly.
  • Collaborate with testers to identify defects and ensure quality.
  • Test and implement system improvements while maintaining integrity.
  • Assist in the daily operations of cybersecurity systems.
  • Analyze, triage, and prioritize potential defects for repair.

Benefits

  • Free flights for you and eligible dependents on Southwest Airlines.
  • Up to 9.3% Company contribution to your 401(k).
  • Potential profit-sharing contributions when the company profits.
  • Comprehensive health insurance that includes coverage for pets.
  • Health plan options available on the first day of employment.
Full Job Description
Department:
Technology

Job Description:

Please print/save the job description because it won't be available after you apply.

To be considered, please ensure that you attach a resume to your

application.

We ask that you apply with your personal email address rather than your school email (.edu) so we can stay connected about future roles at Southwest.

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 Cybersecurity Engineer joining our Direct College Hire program, you'll develop and enhance security solutions that help protect Southwest's cloud environment and emerging technologies. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll contribute to initiatives focused on cloud security, secure infrastructure, automation, monitoring, and risk reduction while helping enable the safe and secure delivery of technology across the Company. This role offers opportunities to build technical expertise, contribute to strategic security initiatives, and help strengthen Southwest's cybersecurity capabilities. The Candidate selected for this role will support the Cloud Cybersecurity Team.

Additional Details
  • 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. Please note, while this is a remote position, there is a limited group of states or localities ineligible for Employees to regularly perform their work. Those ineligible locations are: 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. Applicants must reside in an eligible state by their first day of employment. Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.
  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.


Responsibilities
  • Provide security guidance to application and Partner Teams to remediate security vulnerabilities, risk items, and policy exceptions
  • Deliver training for clients in use of the key Cybersecurity systems, and automated environments
  • Responsible for immediate response to production program issues
  • Partner with production testers to identify defects and complete testing
  • Test and implement system enhancements using techniques that preserve system integrity
  • Assist in maintaining systems and regular functionality
  • Triage, research potential defects, and partner to prioritize repairs. Transition features to Business support
  • Follow established procedures and standards to ensure high quality and quantity of work
  • Analyze and resolve multiple complex problems with minimal direction
  • Respond to problems, perform root cause analysis, investigate information, perform impact analysis; formulate and execute plans to develop solutions with guidance
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of existing elements in value pipeline, including: PingFederate, eDirectory, Active Directory, CyberArk, and Micro Focus IDM
  • Knowledge of Agile best practices
  • Knowledge of software development methodologies, practices, concepts, and technologies obtained through formal training and/or work experience
  • Ability to apply knowledge and skills of software development and testing to solve a range of problems
  • Intermediate knowledge of at least one required programming language
  • Skilled in strong communication and negotiation in working with various Technology or partner Teams
  • Ability to analyze large, complex, and vague Business or technical problems, articulating the problem or root cause, and translating the analysis into viable solution recommendations
  • Ability to take on multiple assignments, whether administrative or project related, while maintaining a successful level of completion in all responsible work
  • Ability to develop, present and effectively communicate ideas and strategies to a variety of audiences

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


Experience
  • Required: Entry-level experience; developing skills and knowledge in developing, implementing, or integrating technologies for Enterprise security
  • Preferred: Intermediate level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:
    • Cybersecurity fundamentals, privacy principles, and risk management concepts, including network security, identity and access management (IAM), vulnerability management, and threat detection.
    • Identity and access management (IAM) technologies and directory services, including PingFederate, eDirectory, Active Directory, CyberArk, and Micro Focus Identity Manager (IDM)
    • Authentication and authorization concepts, including single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and privileged access management (PAM)
    • Programming languages such as Node.js, Java, JavaScript, C#, or Python
    • AWS cloud services and concepts, including Lambda, S3, Fargate, DynamoDB, EventBridge, ECS, Kinesis, and SQS
    • Agile or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies
    • Solving ambiguous and complex problems through a systems thinking approach
    • Building relationships and trust across functional organizations


Licensing/Certification
  • N/A


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 be able to travel and / or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations such as remote-based offices as necessary


Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $89,450 per year to $99,400 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 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- when Southwest profits, you profit***
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
  • Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
  • Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.

About Southwest Airlines

AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet.

Southwest Airlines Careers

Join the vibrant team at Southwest Airlines, a leading entity in the aviation industry known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and diversity. As we continue to expand, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Southwest Airlines, we offer a variety of career paths ranging from aviation mechanics to customer service professionals, all united by a common goal of providing excellent service and maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our team members are the heart of our operations, and we empower them to succeed in their roles and beyond. Transform Your Career Step into a role at Southwest Airlines and join a team that values leadership, professional growth, and diversity training. Our employees are encouraged to lead from their first day, supported by our robust leadership development programs. Innovate with Us Southwest Airlines is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Join us and contribute to projects that redefine the future of air travel. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation, allowing every team member to make an impact. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture is built on connectivity and teamwork. At Southwest Airlines, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for excellence. We celebrate diversity and believe it drives innovation, making us stronger and more responsive to our customers' needs. Future-Proof Your Career Southwest Airlines is committed to the professional development of our employees. With a wide range of benefits, from comprehensive health coverage to employee travel perks, we ensure that your career with us is rewarding. Continuous learning is part of our DNA, and we provide extensive training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a Southwest Airlines internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, build your network, and learn from leaders who are eager to mentor the next generation of aviation professionals. Our internships offer a deep dive into the aviation world, preparing you for a full-time position in your chosen field. Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to new heights. Explore our job opportunities and find out how you can contribute to the Southwest Airlines family. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who make Southwest Airlines a great place to work. Explore Discover how innovation at Southwest Airlines is shaping the future of air travel and how you can be a part of it. Read more about our projects, team achievements, and the impact we’re making in the industry. Southwest Airlines Careers Our commitment to professional growth, a dynamic culture, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace makes Southwest Airlines not just a great place to work, but a community where you can build a fulfilling career. Join us and see where your skills and passions can take you.
Learn more about Southwest Airlines
Size
58,865 employees
Market Cap
$19.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Southwest Airlines

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Associate Cybersecurity Engineer - Direct College Hire jobs: