Southwest Airlines

Solutions Architect

Southwest Airlines • $160K — $178K *
Dallas, TX 75217In-Person
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant architecture design and implementation experience, focusing on large-scale distributed systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or similar field, or equivalent experience.
  • Expertise in architecture design and experience in business domain products, particularly within the airline or travel industry preferred.
  • Familiarity with airline reservation systems or modern retail systems is an advantage.
  • Proven ability to translate complex engineering concepts into business solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Technology Teams to ensure architecture adheres to established technology standards.
  • Collaborate with business and technology Stakeholders to create a strategic roadmap for business domain products.
  • Act as a trusted advisor by defining business intents and non-functional requirements while delivering comprehensive architecture solutions.
  • Mentor and support the growth of Technology Teams through hiring and coaching activities.
  • Promote and contribute to technology standards within the organization.
  • Conduct research on emerging technologies to enhance business value in solutions.
  • Design and manage impactful IT projects in both on-premise and cloud environments.

Benefits

  • Fly for free on Southwest flights for you and eligible dependents.
  • Retirement Savings Plan with company contributions up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
  • Potential annual ProfitSharing contributions based on company profits.
  • Comprehensive health insurance options available from the first day of employment.
  • Retroactive health coverage for the first day if enrolled within 30 days.
Full Job Description
Department:
Technology

Job Description:

The Solutions Architect supports Airline Products Architecture by defining domain-focused solutions that align with enterprise strategies and technical standards across the Commercial space. They'll serve as a critical interface between business Stakeholders and Technology Teams, translating strategic goals into scalable system designs that enable desired business outcomes. They'll evaluate options and make key trade-offs, including build versus buy decisions, integration complexity, and technical risk, ensuring solutions are effective, sustainable, and aligned with the broader technology landscape. The Solutions Architect leverages strong communication and analytical skills to influence Stakeholders, bridge business and technology needs, and deliver solutions that support impactful initiatives such as Southwest Vacations and Assigned Seats.

Additional Details

  • This Dallas-based role is offered as a remote workplace position, which may require onsite presence / travel for trainings, meetings, conferences, etc. Outside of those required visits, the majority of your working time may be spent in an approved remote location within the Dallas - Fort Worth area.


  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.


Responsibilities
  • Partner with Technology Teams to establish an architecture that meets SWA technology standards
  • Partner with business & technology Stakeholders to establish the technical strategy/roadmap for a business domain product(s) or product line(s) that will enable long-term business outcomes
  • Operate as a trusted advisor for the business, work to define the business intent and non-functional requirements, and provide a comprehensive architecture that will meet business needs
  • Contribute to the growth of the SWA Technology Teams through hiring, coaching, and mentoring
  • Promote architecture technology standards and contribute to SWA technology standards
  • Research current and emerging technologies and identify technologies that can accelerate business value delivery
  • Seek opportunities to improve SWA technical competency actively
  • Design, build, refactor or operate distributed large scale and impactful IT projects - either on premises or in the cloud
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of a modern programming language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Go, .Net, Java, etc.)
  • Knowledge of working in a technology domain such as distributed large-scale web, mobile applications, APIs, Cloud, Event Streams, DevOps, Serverless, Big Data, and Analytics
  • Skilled in excellent verbal and written communication with Stakeholders to achieve the desired architectural outcomes
  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan
  • Ability to bring others together and trying to reconcile differences
  • Ability to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
  • Skilled in Architecture Design Tools (e.g. Draw.io, Visio)
  • Skilled in Software programming paradigms (e.g. Object orientated, Functional)
  • Skilled in Software versioning software and best practices (e.g. Git)


Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information systems or similar fields of study or equivalent advanced level experience


Experience
  • Required: Expert-level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in architecture design and implementation of large scale distributed systems
  • Preferred: Demonstrated experience in the airline and/or travel industry
  • Preferred: Demonstrated experience in Airline Reservation systems or Modern retail systems
  • Preferred: Prior experience with offer/order systems or broader commerce domain (pricing, fulfillment, transactions), with the ability to translate domain knowledge into scalable engineering solutions


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 $160,550 per year to $178,400 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 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 the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company

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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
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ
LUV
* Ladders Estimates

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