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 a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you’ll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft’s performance, safety, and reliability. You’ll define test objectives, design methodologies, and work hands-on with aircraft and data systems to turn real-world results into engineering decisions.
This is a high-impact role that bridges engineering and operations. You’ll work closely with Systems, Software, GNC, and Flight Operations to scope test plans, coordinate execution, and interpret results — ensuring every test drives meaningful progress toward product readiness and certification.
What You’ll Do:
- Own flight test and validation strategy tied to aircraft certification
Translate requirements into test plans, procedures, and pass/fail criteria
Build and maintain traceability from requirements to test results
- Mentor junior flight test engineers and set the standard for test rigor, safety, and data-driven decision-making across the team
Plan and execute flight tests with clear objectives tied to system validation
Determine what is tested in simulation, ground, and flight to maximize learning and efficiency
Analyze flight data and drive clear outcomes back to engineering teams
Partner with GNC, software, hardware, and systems to close issues and re-test
Generate test reports and artifacts required for certification and external stakeholders
Lead flight readiness reviews and call out when systems are not ready
What You’ll Bring:
5+ years in flight test on UAVs, aircraft, or similar complex systems, including ownership of test strategy and execution
Direct involvement in qualification, certification, or formal validation efforts
Strong systems understanding across hardware, software, and controls
Ability to design test strategies, not just execute predefined plans
Experience working in field environments and running live test operations
Comfortable making real-time decisions during test and pushing back when needed
Bonus Points If You Have:
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or custom flight stacks.
Experience with FAA, DoD, or other certification / qualification processes
Background in GNC, systems engineering, or flight sciences
Experience with autonomous systems and validation of autonomy behaviors
Experience building test infrastructure (HIL, SIL, ground test setups)
Has taken a vehicle or system from prototype through qualification
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.
Skills Required
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
- Proven experience in flight test, systems integration, or aircraft development
- Strong understanding of flight dynamics and control systems
Skyways Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Skyways and has not been reviewed or approved by Skyways.
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Healthcare Strength — Employee medical and dental are employer-paid with additional vision and HSA/FSA options noted; core health coverage appears strong for a hardware/robotics startup.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Stock options are offered to every employee and performance bonuses are listed; ownership upside is broadly accessible across the organization.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is described as generous, with paid holidays and generous parental leave highlighted; the breadth of leave supports work-life needs beyond baseline policies.
Skyways Insights
What We Do
We are creating a new form of transportation to advance the future of our civilization. Our story starts with fully autonomous, unmanned aerial vehicles with vertical take-off and landing capability and used for cargo transportation.
Why Work With Us
We are creating a new form of transportation to advance the future of our civilization. Skyways is building fully autonomous cargo aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capability to transform how goods move. Join a small, ambitious team solving hard aerospace and autonomy problems with real world impact.
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