Southwest Airlines

Sr Innovation Designer

Southwest Airlines$108K — $120K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in user research, prototyping, and business strategy.
  • Degree in a research-driven field such as social sciences or design.
  • Intermediate skills in Human-Centered Design and Innovation tools.
  • Proficient with design software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma.
  • Strong communication skills for storytelling and effective presentations.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct ethnographic research to uncover customer insights.
  • Translate findings into visual models for design.
  • Develop a wide range of innovative concepts for customer experiences.
  • Create communication tools like storyboards and user journey maps.
  • Facilitate prototype testing by gathering feedback from diverse audiences.
  • Lead design workshops and project teams across disciplines.
  • Teach and mentor others on human-centered design techniques.

Benefits

  • Free flights on Southwest Airlines for you and your dependents.
  • Generous 401(k) matching contributions up to 9.3%.
  • Annual ProfitSharing contributions based on company performance.
  • Immediate health insurance coverage options starting from day one.
  • Competitive health plans that also cover eligible dependents, including pets.
Full Job Description
Department:
Customer Experience & Innovation

Job Description:

The Senior Innovation Designer supports the CX Research and Design Team by researching Customer needs, identifying opportunities, and developing innovative solutions that improve the Customer experience. They'll Lead research, ideation, concept development, and testing efforts to address complex Customer journey challenges and validate potential solutions. They'll partner across Teams to turn insights into actionable recommendations that inform Customer Experience and Innovation decisions. The Senior Innovation Designer brings strong creativity, research, and storytelling skills to help shape the future of the Customer experience.

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.


Responsibilities
  • Discover the "why's" behind problems through field research using ethnographic methods such as observation and find pertinent insights to identify opportunity areas for designing new solutions
  • Translate research and design insights into visual models and frameworks
  • Envision and sketch new ideas across a wide range of experience types: digital and physical tools, programs and services, spaces and environments, events, campaigns, roles, policies, processes, etc.
  • Create concept communication tools such as storyboards, user experience journeys, and system maps for use in research, synthesis, workshops and prototype testing
  • Create prototypes and gather feedback on design concepts from a wide range of audiences
  • Lead and / or design concept workshops
  • Collaborate in a team-based environment with leads from multi-disciplinary units such as operations, technology, facilities, and marketing
  • Lead multi-disciplinary project teams through modes of design
  • Teach and coach others on human-centered design methods
  • Identifies and understands the dependencies and impacts of projects to the greater Company business or operation
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leader


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Intermediate knowledge of Human Centered Design and Innovation mindsets, tools and techniques
  • Skilled in behavioral research practices
  • Skilled in strategic thinking, problem solving and connecting disparate dots
  • Skilled in using 2D and 3D Design Tools to create concepts
  • Skilled in communication practices and crafting compelling stories
  • Ability to translate user research into needs, design principles and criteria
  • Ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) with all levels of Employees up to and including Executive levels
  • Ability to bring ideas to life through model making / rapid prototyping
  • Ability to use Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite


Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED
  • Required: Undergraduate or Graduate level degree in a research driven field such as social sciences or related design field such as Industrial, Visual, Experience or Service designs


Experience
  • Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in areas such as:
    • Business consulting / Strategy
    • User Research
    • Prototyping
    • Communications


  • Preferred: Experience with Figma, and 2D/3D design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Preferred: Experience in Service Design, industrial design, architecture, and experience design.


Licensing/ Certifications
  • 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


Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $108,700 - $120,800 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

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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
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ

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