Staff Mechanical Engineer
skyways· Skyways
About this role
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, 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 owns major aircraft systems from early architecture through flight operations.
You will lead the design and development of critical mechanical systems across autonomous aircraft platforms, driving decisions that directly impact aircraft performance, reliability, manufacturability, and operational capability.
This role requires deep technical judgment, strong first-principles engineering, and the ability to move quickly through design, integration, testing, and iteration. You will work across structures, mechanisms, integration, and vehicle-level design challenges while helping guide technical direction across the broader mechanical organization.
You will collaborate closely with electrical, autonomy, manufacturing, and flight teams to develop flight-ready hardware and solve system-level problems in a fast-moving development environment.
The ideal candidate has experience leading complex hardware development programs in aerospace, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance mechanical systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways?
The salary for this Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways located?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways is based in Austin, TX. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Staff Mechanical Engineer role in the Skyways department at skyways.
Which team or department does the Staff Mechanical Engineer at skyways belong to?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer position is part of the Skyways department at skyways. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to skyways's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Staff Mechanical Engineer job at skyways posted?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways was posted on Mar 17, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Staff Mechanical Engineer
skyways
You'll be redirected to skyways's official application page on Lever.