About the role
Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are 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 creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.
The Opportunity
This role sits between manufacturing and flight. You’ll be on the shop floor building and integrating aircraft, then working through issues that show up when systems come together. Mechanical, electrical, avionics. It all connects, and when something doesn’t work, you’re the one figuring out why.Some days are clean builds.
Some days are troubleshooting something that should work but doesn’t.
If you’ve only worked from perfect instructions, this will feel uncomfortable. If you’ve actually had to figure things out, you’ll do well here.
What You’ll Do
Build and assemble aircraft structures and systems from the ground up
Fabricate and work with composite parts (not the only thing you do)
Install and integrate mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems
Build and route wiring harnesses, perform testing and validation
Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues during build and integration
Support ground and flight test prep, including pre/post flight checks
Work across subsystems and understand how they interact, not just your piece
Improve build processes, tooling, and repeatability over time
What You’ll Bring
4+ years building or working on real systems (aircraft, UAVs, vehicles, robotics)
Strong mechanical foundation first, not just composites
Experience working across full systems, not just one area
Electrical experience: harnesses, connectors, testing, basic diagnostics
Ability to read drawings, wiring diagrams, and actually use them
Comfortable troubleshooting without a step-by-step playbook
High ownership. If something is off, you don’t walk past it
Bonus Points If You Have
A&P license
Flight line or flight test support experience
Experience working under FAA or similar standards
Background in autonomous systems or UAVs
Experience in low-rate production or scaling builds
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.
