Department:
Network Planning
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
The Network Planning Analyst supports the Data Science and Analytics Team within Network Planning by analyzing, implementing, and communicating critical updates to Southwest Airlines’ published flight schedules. They’ll use data and modeling to identify trends, generate insights, and develop recommendations that inform schedule creation and execution. They’ll effectively communicate analysis and proposals to the broader Team and Senior Leadership, including highly visible audiences, while contributing to strategic initiatives with creativity and flexibility. The Network Planning Analyst plays a key role in transforming complex data into actionable insights that optimize network performance and support Southwest’s operational and financial success.
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.
We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Responsibilities
- Analyze large commercial and operational datasets (e.g., revenue, demand, load factor, profitability, shopping behavior) using SQL, Python, Tableau, and cloud-based tools.
- Build and run SQL queries in tools such as DBeaver, and work with data stored in AWS/cloud environments.
- Apply foundational math, statistics, and finance concepts to evaluate performance, identify trends, and quantify impacts.
- Perform exploratory analysis and create analytical frameworks that support new market evaluations, schedule decisions, demand behavior insights, and profitability assessments.
- Apply introductory machine learning concepts (e.g., regression, classification, clustering) where appropriate to enhance forecasting and insight generation.
- Manage and interpret big datasets to support decision-making related to network design, schedule planning, and commercial strategy.
- Translate analytical findings into clear, compelling presentations and visual stories for leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Develop dashboards and reports in Tableau or similar visualization tools to communicate key metrics and trends.
- Partner with Network Planning, Revenue Management, Strategy, Finance, and Technology to align data capabilities and improve data accessibility and quality.
- Support ad hoc analysis, scenario modeling, and strategic deep dives that influence the direction of the network.
- Deliver accurate and timely analysis while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail.
- Automate recurring reports and analytical workflows to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- May perform other job duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Highly knowledgeable in mathematics, statistics, and finance, with ability to apply these concepts to airline and commercial data.
- Working knowledge of SQL, Python, and data‑visualization tools like Tableau.
- Experience using data management and querying tools such as DBeaver, and comfort working in AWS/cloud environments.
- Ability to work with large datasets, perform complex analyses, and validate data accuracy.
- Understanding of basic machine learning and AI-driven concepts and how they support forecasting and decision-making.
- Ability to translate raw data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to create clear slides, charts, and summaries for leadership audiences.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate across teams and balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Intermediate level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:
- Experience in SQL, Tableau, machine learning basics, or cloud analytics.
- Experience in Python for data processing, automation, and analytical workflows, including building reusable scripts to support production analytics.
- Experience in airline, transportation, or commercial analytics environments.
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office suite
- Written and verbal communication
- Handling multiple concurrent projects and prioritizing accordingly
- Preferred: Experience using SQL and Python or R for data querying, analysis, and modeling
- Preferred: Experience building dashboards and visual analytics in Tableau or Power BI
- Preferred: Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms and analytics environments
- Preferred: Proficiency in PowerPoint, with the ability to clearly present analytical findings
- Preferred: Strong data storytelling skills, including translating complex analyses into clear, actionable insights
- Preferred: Familiarity with machine learning or data science concepts, including building, evaluating, or applying analytical models
- Preferred: Prior experience or background in the airline or transportation industry, or in consulting environments supporting data analytics Teams
Physical Abilities
- Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/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 meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $85,300.00 per year to $94,800.00 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: 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.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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