Job Description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. We have been flying real missions with real customers since 2017.

Our V2 carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles and our V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000 miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a dual-hybrid design that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane. We are currently flying on three continents, in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight, and in support of U.S. military operations.

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we are moving from prototype to full-rate production with a path to Program of Record. Based in Austin, we are scaling fast and hiring people who want to build the world's largest fleet of autonomous logistics aircraft.

The Opportunity

Skyways is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own major aircraft subsystems from concept through flight. You will design hardware, build and test prototypes, and iterate quickly based on real-world performance.
This role sits at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations, ensuring systems are both reliable in the air and practical to build at scale. We are looking for someone with strong technical judgment who is comfortable working hands-on with hardware and moving quickly through design, build, and test cycles.

What You'll Do:

• Own mechanical subsystems from concept through build, testing, and flight validation
• Design structural and mechanical components for autonomous aircraft
• Develop prototypes and iterate designs based on ground testing and flight data
• Lead subsystem design reviews and drive system level integration across structures, avionics, propulsion, and payload systems
• Partner with manufacturing early in the design process to ensure systems are buildable and capable of scaling to production
• Help define design standards and engineering practices as the team grows

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience working on complex hardware systems such as aircraft, robotics, or autonomous vehicles
• Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
• 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 Points:

• Experience designing aircraft structures or flight hardware
• Experience working with composite materials or lightweight structures
• Experience supporting prototype builds, system integration, or flight testing
• Experience working in startup or rapid hardware development environments

Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!

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.

Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.