Cybersecurity Engineer

Southwest Airlines is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer for its Cybersecurity Aircraft Team. This remote role supports the protection of aircraft systems and aviation technologies in a safety-critical environment through security guidance, vulnerability investigation, hands-on testing, and program maturity work in collaboration with the FAA and other stakeholders.

Role Overview

In this position, you will help build, test, and support cybersecurity solutions for aircraft and related aviation technologies. You will provide practical security direction, help investigate potential vulnerabilities, and support the ongoing maturity of Southwest’s aircraft cybersecurity program while coordinating with internal partners and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide security guidance to application and Partner Teams to remediate security vulnerabilities, risk items, and policy exceptions
• Deliver training for clients on key Cybersecurity systems and automated environments
• Identify cybersecurity problems, plan solutions, recommend software and systems, and coordinate development to meet business requirements
• Oversee immediate response and maintenance for production program issues
• Partner with production testers to identify defects and complete testing
• Test and implement system enhancements using techniques that preserve system integrity
• Partner to maintain systems, manage escalation issues, and support regular functionality
• Triage, research potential defects, complete repairs, and transition features to Business support
• Maintain established procedures and standards to ensure high-quality and high-quantity output
• Partner and lead communication across internal and cross-functional teams to achieve goals
• Perform other job duties as directed by Employee leaders

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agile best practices
• Knowledge of at least one value pipeline element, such as PingFederate, eDirectory, Active Directory, CyberArk, or Micro Focus IDM
• Knowledge of at least one scripting and development language, such as Python, Go, or Javascript
• Skills in at least one cloud computing technology and associated concepts, such as AWS
• Skilled in infrastructure-as-code development (Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar) and automated configuration management using configuration-as-code (Chef, Puppet, Ansible, or similar)
• Skilled in implementing cybersecurity-specific unit tests for applicable elements
• Skilled in performance, logging, and cybersecurity monitoring tools
• Skilled in delivering valuable software and reasoning about it
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, problem solving, and prioritization skills
• High School Diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information systems, or similar fields of study, or equivalent advanced-level experience
• Intermediate-level experience with broad knowledge in developing, implementing, or integrating technologies for Enterprise security

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing penetration testing, technical assessments, or vulnerability assessments for embedded devices, operational technology (OT), or safety-critical systems
• Experience coordinating cybersecurity risk assessments, vulnerability management, and remediation activities
• Experience with NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), NIST 800-series publications, or similar cybersecurity risk management frameworks
• Knowledge of aviation cybersecurity standards, including ARINC, RTCA, SAE, or related regulatory guidance
• Experience supporting aviation cybersecurity programs and partnering with the FAA, manufacturers, or industry stakeholders

Technologies

• PingFederate, eDirectory, Active Directory, CyberArk, Micro Focus IDM
• Python, Go, Javascript
• AWS
• Terraform, CloudFormation
• Chef, Puppet, Ansible

Work Location and Travel

• Remote workplace position in Dallas, TX (remote)
• May require travel for training, meetings, conferences, and related activities
• Majority of working time may be spent remotely away from Corporate Campus
• Limited group of states/localities are ineligible for regular remote work, including: 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

Additional Qualifications and Physical Abilities

• Ability to work from a limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in English to meet job demands
• Ability to use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required; no current or future work authorization sponsorship available
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must comply with Company attendance standards
• Must be able to travel and/or attend Company and non-Company facilities and remote locations as necessary

Compensation and Incentives

• Salary range: USD 119,900 - 133,200 per year, depending on qualifications and experience
• Pay is competitive and varies by role; additional bonus opportunities may be available for eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles at the company’s discretion
• 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of eligible earnings
• Potential annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan (subject to plan terms and discretion)
• 401(k) match and ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits where applicable

Benefits

• Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights for eligible employees; eligible dependents also receive privilege access
• Competitive health insurance for you and eligible dependents, including pets
• Health plan coverage options start from the very first day of employment, with selection and enrollment within 30 days and retroactive availability

Application Deadline

Job posting end date: 10/30/2026