As a Senior Operations Research Developer on Southwest Airlines’ Network Optimization Team, you will develop mathematical models and solution strategies to enhance operational efficiency across thousands of daily flights, aircraft, crew members, and passengers. Your day-to-day responsibilities include coding solutions, documenting technical details, leading reviews with the team and business stakeholders, and ensuring applications meet performance expectations. You’ll work with industrial-strength LP/IP tools like Xpress or CPLEX, and preferred skills include knowledge of AWS, Linux-based development, and experience in airline optimization methods. This role offers remote flexibility with occasional travel requirements, providing a unique opportunity to impact the airline industry’s operational efficiency on a large scale.
Skills
AWS
Linux
Xpress
CPLEX
Python
C++
Java
SQL
Git
Docker
CI/CD
SAFe
PostgreSQL
What you'll do
Develop mathematical models based on business requirements for airline operations.
Implement solution strategies to solve complex operational problems efficiently.
Lead reviews and calibrate models, ensuring they meet business needs accurately.
Test applications rigorously to ensure they perform as expected and solve the right issues.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced team members.
What we're looking for
Expert level experience in applying Operations Research methods in a business environment or a PhD with relevant business experience
Proficient in developing mathematical models and solution strategies based on business requirements
Skilled in using Xpress, CPLEX, or other industrial-strength LP/IP tools
Strong knowledge of standard programming languages and associated development tools
Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems independently and collaboratively
Experienced in leading reviews and mentoring less-experienced team members
Preferred: Foundational knowledge of AWS or other cloud infrastructure
Market check
Salary context
This
$153,000–$153,000
range sits above
40%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$119,782–$209,330
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$140,400–$210,812
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Southwest
Southwest Airlines is a major U.S. low-cost airline carrier.