Senior Mechanical Engineer

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.

Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, and V3 has a maximum range of well over 1,000 miles, a maximum useful load of 100 lbs, and a maximum endurance of nearly 20 hours. 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.

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 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 Points: 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

In addition to base salary, offers include stock options, so you own part of what you build. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401k, and life insurance. Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to Austin. 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.