At Skyways, we are building the future of air transportation with fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Backed by significant funding, including a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we operate at the intersection of commercial and defense markets. We have designed, built, and flown aircraft with real customers and government partners, and are now entering the next phase of the company: scaling toward production.
Based in Austin, TX and supported by top investors including Y Combinator, Skyways blends rapid iteration with real world deployment. We design, test, and operate our systems in the field, then bring those learnings directly back into engineering and product decisions. As we grow, we are looking for builders and leaders who want real ownership, technical depth, and the opportunity to help take an aircraft from successful deployments to full production.
The Opportunity
As a 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:
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test campaigns.
Define test objectives, instrumentation requirements, and success criteria.
Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and flight readiness documentation.
Manage pre-flight configuration reviews and post-flight data debriefs.
Oversee telemetry setup, data logging, and analysis workflows.
Identify anomalies, conduct root-cause analyses, and drive corrective actions with engineering teams.
Propose and implement improvements to test methodology, data tools, and safety processes.
Mentor and support operators and engineers involved in testing.
Communicate results and insights clearly across technical and leadership teams.
What You’ll Bring:
Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent experience).
Proven experience in flight test, systems integration, or aircraft development.
Strong understanding of flight dynamics, control systems, and telemetry.
Ability to interpret flight data and identify performance trends or issues.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software in field environments.
Excellent documentation, communication, and coordination skills.
Comfort operating in dynamic, fast-paced test environments.
Bonus Points If You Have:
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or custom flight stacks.
Familiarity with telemetry protocols (CAN, MAVLink, etc.).
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis and automation.
Experience with large (>55 lb AUW) or autonomous UAVs.
Prior work on experimental or developmental flight test programs.
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.
