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Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. The company has spent eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations. V2 aircraft carry 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while V3 has a maximum range exceeding 1,000 miles, a 100 lb maximum useful load, and nearly 20 hours endurance. Both use hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Skyways aircraft currently operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. The company is transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets. Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is headquartered in Austin, Texas.
In this role, you will own mechanical subsystems from concept through build, testing, and flight validation. You will design structural and mechanical components for autonomous aircraft, develop prototypes, and iterate designs based on ground testing and flight data. You will lead subsystem design reviews and drive system-level integration across structures, avionics, propulsion, and payload systems. You will partner with manufacturing early in the design process to ensure systems are buildable and capable of scaling to production. You will also help define design standards and engineering practices as the team grows.
The role offers stock options in addition to base salary, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401k, life insurance, and relocation assistance for candidates moving to Austin.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Experience designing and building hardware for aircraft, UAS, eVTOL, or other flight vehicles
- Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
- Ability to design from first principles: sizing structures and mechanisms against loads and flight environments rather than adapting existing designs
- Experience taking hardware from concept through build, integration, testing, and deployment
- Comfort working closely with prototype builds and resolving integration issues
- Strong collaboration skills across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams
BONUS:
- Experience with composite materials or lightweight structures
- Experience supporting prototype builds, system integration, or flight testing
- Experience in startup or rapid hardware development environments
Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.
