Innovation Investigator Intern – Aviation Technology & Data Quality (Part-Time, $25/Hour) at arenaflex
Launch Your Technology Career in Aviation at arenaflex
Are you a curious, driven, and detail-oriented student with a passion for technology, problem-solving, and the aviation industry? arenaflex is excited to invite motivated individuals to apply for our Innovation Investigator Intern position within our dynamic Technology Department. This is more than just a part-time job — it is a chance to step inside one of the most forward-thinking organizations in the aviation sector and contribute to projects that keep our teams, customers, and business operations running smoothly.
At arenaflex, we believe in connecting people to what matters most in their lives. As an intern, you won't be fetching coffee or filing papers in a corner. Instead, you will be embedded into a real working team where you will analyze systems, support testing initiatives, collaborate with business users, and gain hands-on experience with the technologies and methodologies that drive modern aviation. If you are looking for a role where your work has a tangible impact, this is the opportunity for you.
About the Role
The Innovation Investigator Intern will work part-time at a competitive rate of $25 per hour, gaining exposure to multiple cross-functional teams within the Technology Office. Depending on your skills, interests, and team needs, you may be placed in one of several exciting areas, including Air Operations, Customer and Business, Systems and Services, People, and Finance. Each team offers a unique lens into how arenaflex operates, and you will have the opportunity to learn how technology supports every corner of a major aviation enterprise.
Team Placement Areas
- Air Operations (Quality Management Office – QMO): This team is the guardian of application quality for the tools used daily by our frontline professionals, including airline crew members and pilots. Even small defects in these applications can disrupt flight operations, which is why testing, quality assurance, and performance metrics are taken so seriously. As an intern, you will work closely with Scrum Masters, Engineers, and Product Owners to test applications as they are being developed, track testing progress, and report on quality metrics to leadership.
- Customer and Business (Southwest Getaways – SWAV): This innovative group is building a brand-new revenue-generating product that extends arenaflex's reach beyond traditional air travel. It is a fast-paced, high-priority initiative where interns gain insight into both the airline industry and the broader travel ecosystem. You'll see firsthand how new digital products are conceptualized, designed, and launched.
- Systems and Services: This team focuses on the platforms and services that keep the company's internal and customer-facing operations connected and reliable. Interns here develop an appreciation for enterprise architecture, integration, and service management.
- People and Finance: For interns interested in how technology empowers the workforce and financial backbone of a large organization, these teams offer exposure to HR systems, workforce analytics, and financial technology platforms.
Key Responsibilities
While the exact scope of your work will vary based on your assigned team, the Innovation Investigator Intern will typically be responsible for the following:
- Collaborating directly with business users to gather, analyze, and document requirements related to systems and business processes in order to design effective, high-quality technical solutions.
- Ensuring that proposed solutions are aligned with internal tooling standards, established business procedures, and departmental guidelines.
- Managing timelines for planning, development, testing, and deployment activities to ensure deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.
- Acting as a key communication bridge between business stakeholders and Technology teams, helping to translate needs, clarify expectations, and resolve misunderstandings.
- Participating actively in system testing and user acceptance testing (UAT) cycles, helping to identify issues and validate fixes.
- Supporting the development of reports, dashboards, and metrics that track testing progress, quality improvements, and operational performance.
- Adapting quickly to evolving project scopes, contributing wherever your skills are most needed.
Essential Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, ideally in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to break down complex problems and propose logical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to interact with stakeholders at various levels.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines simultaneously.
- A collaborative mindset — you thrive in environments that are open, direct, respectful, and empathetic.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic knowledge of business analysis, process modeling, and process improvement concepts.
- Familiarity with technical environments such as software development lifecycles, databases, or enterprise systems.
- Exposure to Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) is a strong plus.
- Foundational understanding of project management principles and tools.
- Previous internship experience as an investigator, analyst, or in a similar role within the past 12 months.
- Experience solving real-world business problems through capstone projects, case competitions, or hackathons.
Skills and Competencies for Success
To excel in this role, you will need more than just technical know-how. Success at arenaflex requires a combination of soft skills and analytical abilities, including:
- Curiosity and Initiative: You ask the right questions, dig deeper, and don't stop at the first answer.
- Adaptability: You are comfortable shifting between teams, projects, and priorities as the business demands.
- Attention to Detail: You understand that in aviation and technology, small errors can have big consequences.
- Team Orientation: You enjoy working with others, sharing knowledge, and building strong professional relationships.
- Customer Focus: Whether you support internal teams or external customers, you always keep the end-user experience in mind.
Career Growth and Learning Opportunities
At arenaflex, internships are designed to be springboards into long-term careers. As an Innovation Investigator Intern, you will receive mentorship from experienced technology professionals, gain exposure to enterprise-level tools and processes, and have access to learning resources that support both your academic and professional development. Many of our past interns have gone on to full-time roles within the company, citing their internship experience as the most formative part of their career journey. Whether you aspire to become a business analyst, quality engineer, product manager, or technology leader, this internship provides a strong foundation.
Work Environment and Company Culture
arenaflex is proud of its unique, people-first culture. We are an organization that values openness, directness, respect, and empathy in every interaction. Our team members are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, share their ideas freely, and challenge the status quo in constructive ways. We believe that great ideas can come from anywhere, and we invest heavily in creating an environment where every voice is heard. As an intern, you will be treated as a valued contributor, not just a temporary worker.
Our collaborative workspaces are designed to foster creativity and connection, and our hybrid work arrangements offer flexibility while maintaining strong team cohesion.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
This part-time position offers a competitive hourly rate of $25 per hour, with scheduling flexibility designed to accommodate your academic commitments. Beyond pay, arenaflex provides interns with:
- Real-world project experience that strengthens your resume and builds your professional network.
- Mentorship and coaching from seasoned technology professionals.
- Access to internal training sessions, workshops, and learning platforms.
- A supportive, inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
- Opportunities to attend company events, team-building activities, and networking sessions.
- Potential pathways to full-time employment upon graduation, based on performance and business needs.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your technology career and want to make a real impact in the aviation industry, we encourage you to apply today. Submit your resume, a brief cover letter, and any relevant portfolio or project samples through our careers portal. Be sure to highlight your academic background, technical skills, and any previous experience that demonstrates your ability to investigate, analyze, and solve problems.
Join arenaflex and become part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation technology. Your ideas matter here, your growth is our priority, and your work will help connect people to what matters most in their lives. We can't wait to see what you'll contribute.