Join the Southwest Airlines Innovation Team as a Hybrid Associate Innovation Designer
Southwest Airlines is expanding its Innovation Team and is on the lookout for a talented and versatile Hybrid Associate Innovation Designer. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for driving innovation and bringing human-centered approaches to research, ideation, concept development, and prototyping. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to the future of Southwest Airlines.
About Southwest Airlines and Our Company Culture
At Southwest Airlines, we are committed to providing our Employees with a stable work environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and innovation. Our company culture is built on the principles of respect, caring, and equality, and we strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Job Summary
The Associate Innovation Designer plays a critical role in supporting the Innovation Team in bringing human-centered approaches to research, ideation, concept development, and prototyping. This role is responsible for testing prototypes with users, gathering feedback, and documenting detailed design requirements of successful concepts. As a detail-oriented thinker, you will drive the future of Southwest's Innovation and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Discover the "why's" behind problems through field research using ethnographic methods such as observation and identify pertinent insights to inform design decisions.
- Translate research and design insights into visual models and frameworks that communicate complex ideas and concepts.
- Envision and sketch new ideas across a wide range of experience types, including digital and physical tools, programs and services, spaces and environments, events, campaigns, roles, policies, and processes.
- Create concept communication tools such as storyboards, user experience journeys, and system maps to facilitate research, synthesis, workshops, and prototype testing.
- Develop prototypes and gather feedback on design concepts from diverse audiences to iterate and refine solutions.
- Support concept workshops and multi-disciplinary project teams through various modes of design, including visual, experiential, and narrative approaches.
- Perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities.
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need to possess the following essential qualifications:
- Knowledge of Human-Centered Design and Innovation mindsets, tools, and techniques, with the ability to apply these principles in a practical context.
- Skilled in behavioral research practices, with the ability to design and conduct research studies that inform design decisions.
- Proficient in using 2D and 3D Design Tools to create concepts and communicate design ideas.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and present design concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to translate user research into needs, design principles, and criteria that inform design decisions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts to various stakeholders.
- Ability to bring ideas to life through model making and rapid prototyping, with a focus on experimentation and iteration.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to learn new tools and technologies as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the essential qualifications, the following preferred qualifications will be considered an asset:
- Experience in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Products, with a strong understanding of design tools and software.
- Entry-level experience in business consulting, strategy, user research, prototyping, and communications, with a demonstrated ability to apply these skills in a practical context.
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A High School Diploma or GED, with an Undergraduate or Graduate-level degree in a research-driven field such as social sciences or a related design field like Industrial, Visual, Experience, Technology, or Service design.
- Entry-level experience in a relevant field, with a demonstrated ability to develop skills and knowledge in business consulting, strategy, user research, prototyping, and communications.
What We Offer
As a Southwest Airlines Employee, you will enjoy a range of benefits and perks, including:
- A competitive market salary ranging from $69,500 to $77,500 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Bonus opportunities for eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, awarded at the discretion of the company.
- Free flights on Southwest Airlines, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights, for you and your eligible dependents.
- A 401(k) retirement savings plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings, subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.
- Potential for annual ProfitSharing contributions in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and made at the discretion of the Company.
- Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents, including pets, with coverage options available from the first day of employment.
Work Environment and Company Culture
As a Hybrid Associate Innovation Designer, you will be working in a remote environment, with the flexibility to work from a mix of on-site Company facilities and remote-based offices. We value a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and we are committed to providing our Employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Why Join Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines is a company that is passionate about connecting People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. As a member of our team, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative organization that is committed to making a difference in the lives of our customers. If you are a motivated and creative individual who is passionate about design and innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
How to Apply
If you are ready to join a talented team of innovators and contribute to the future of Southwest Airlines, please submit your application today. We look forward to hearing from you!
Apply Now