Senior RF Systems 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, 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 critical RF and communications systems across autonomous aircraft platforms. You will develop and integrate communication, telemetry, navigation, and RF systems that enable reliable aircraft operations in demanding real-world environments. Your work will directly impact aircraft connectivity, operational reliability, BVLOS capability, and system robustness across deployed fleets. You will work across aircraft, ground systems, payloads, and infrastructure to solve RF challenges involving interference, antenna integration, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, and long-range communications performance. The ideal candidate has experience building and debugging RF systems on aerospace, robotics, defense, or autonomous platforms and is comfortable operating across both system architecture and hands-on integration work. What You'll Do: What You'll Bring:

5+ years designing, integrating, or troubleshooting RF and communications systems, including end-to-end ownership of system-level problems

Strong understanding of RF fundamentals including antennas, signal propagation, interference, and EMI/EMC concepts

Experience working with embedded systems, avionics, networking, or communications hardware

Hands-on experience debugging integrated hardware systems in lab or field environments

Familiarity with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, or SDR platforms

Ability to work across hardware, software, and operational teams to solve complex system issues

Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Bonus Points:

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.