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
As Director of Software, you will own software execution end to end across autonomy, mission planning (SkyNav), and the internal tooling that supports flight operations and production aircraft. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will set the technical direction and roadmap for software, build and develop the team that delivers it, and stay close enough to the code to take on the hard problems yourself.
You will work closely with flight, hardware, and operations to turn real-world constraints and operator feedback into software that works in the field.
What You'll Do:
Own software execution and the software roadmap across autonomy, SkyNav, and the internal tools that support aircraft flying today
Build, lead, and develop the software team, including hiring, performance, growth, and the tech-lead or management layer as the team scales
Own org design for software, and be accountable for delivery, team health, and the software budget
Act as a player coach. Write code, review code, and take on hard problems when needed
Set technical direction through shipped systems and measurable outcomes
Work directly with operators and customers to iterate based on live deployments and field feedback
Partner tightly with hardware, flight, and manufacturing to ensure software and aircraft evolve together
Improve reliability, performance, and maintainability as the fleet and customer base scale
What You'll Bring:
Proven experience shipping and supporting complex production software systems
Experience leading and developing software teams, including hiring and growing engineers, while staying close to the technical work
Experience with autonomy, robotics, or mission planning systems
Strong systems thinking across autonomy, frontend, backend, and infrastructure
Comfort operating in environments where software meets hardware and real-world constraints
Bias toward execution, ownership, and accountability
Hands-on experience building with Python, C++, and JavaScript
Bonus Points:
Experience supporting software on production hardware, flight systems, or safety-critical systems.
Startup experience scaling teams and systems while things are still evolving.
Hands-on experience building with ROS, ElectronJS, Ardupilot, or Mavlink.
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.
