Principal Flight Operations Engineer

Our close-knit flight operations team orchestrates the daily operations of our airline, creating an airline people love from behind the scenes. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll use your expertise to create the situations that make guest experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible. You’ll be at the heart of how our airlines will achieve its goals and enjoy the opportunities you’ll have to create a long and satisfying career with us.

The Principal Flight Operations Engineer is the sole subject matter expert for all engineering related activities for flight operations. As an individual contributor, this role defines long-term strategy for operational improvements and cost savings for the E175 fleet. This includes research, analysis, and calculation to determine the viability of initiatives focused on improving fleet performance, fuel savings, route structures, operational efficiencies, operational capacities, and limits. This role exercises considerable latitude and initiative that creates solutions to meet objectives and ensure safety and compliance.

• As the lead subject matter expert in engineering, this role provides input and expertise to the Flight Operations department to ensure the success of engineering related initiatives.
• Define long term strategy for operational improvements and cost savings for the E175 fleet.
• Exercise considerable latitude and initiative to create solutions to meet objectives and ensure safety and compliance.
• Make decisions to determine the viability of initiatives focused on improving fleet performance, fuel savings, route structures, operational efficiencies, operational capacities, and limits.
• Develop, analyze, and implement cost saving and operational initiatives (e.g., fuel burn reduction strategies) including continuous performance monitoring.
• Lead efforts to continuously monitor fleet operational health and proactively develop and implement policy to maintain safe and compliant daily operations.
• Manage several data streams, logic, and functionality of weight & balance systems, develop test scripts, and oversee programming changes. Maintain and revise weight and balance program documentation and technical substantiation document.
• Provide updates and support to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Aircraft Operating Manual including identification, drafting, and routing of change requests with internal stakeholders and the FAA.
• Influence and support a working relationship with the aircraft manufacturer and flight operations counterparts from other aircraft operators through participation in operator conferences, the Flight Operations Steering Committee, and correspondence with flight operations representatives.
• Collaborate with third party vendors to maintain aircraft performance data including takeoff, enroute and landing.
• Ensure safety policies and procedures are fully implemented.

Required

• 7 years of experience in fleet support engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, preferably with a focus in aeronautical science.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations Parts 25, 36, 91 and 121.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an eye for detail with the ability to summarize and report analysis results using uncomplicated terms.
• Ability to influence up to the executive level and across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.)
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

• Possess applied knowledge/skills on any of the following programming languages: Visual Basic, Python, MathLab.
• Knowledge of aircraft weight and balance terminology and methods.

Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be kind-hearted, deliver performance, and be remarkable.

Pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Horizon employees. Alaska/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.

Note: We don’t typically hire at the top of the range.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines & Horizon Air
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off
   

For more information about Alaska/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees and do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information (including family medical history), political views or activity, or other legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We may use your information to maintain the safety and security of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, its employees, and others as required or permitted by law. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.