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
We are looking for a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to take a leading role in scaling production of our autonomous aircraft. This is a high impact role. You will shape how we build vehicles at scale, create the processes and systems that make production predictable, and ensure that engineering and manufacturing are fully aligned as we move from prototype to commercial volume.
What You'll Do:
Own development and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, jigs, and fixtures for efficient and scalable production.
Provide design for manufacturing feedback that drives cost, reliability, and repeatability for high volume builds.
Lead implementation of lean principles, automation, and continuous improvement across the production floor.
Partner with engineering, supply chain, and quality to solve build issues quickly and permanently.
Build clear documentation, perform root cause analysis, and select or specify production equipment.
Support and guide contract manufacturers as we scale output and introduce new revisions.
Help implement and shape our ERP and MRP workflows so aircraft builds, inventory, and quality are fully traceable.
What You'll Bring:
6 plus years experience taking hardware products from prototype to real production with increasing ownership.
Strong knowledge of core manufacturing processes with deep experience in composites.
Proficiency with CAD and an expert level understanding of DFM and DFA.
Strong problem solving instincts and clear communication.
Experience using ERP or MRP systems to run production in a structured and traceable way.
Track record of thriving in environments where speed, ownership, and accountability matter.
Bonus Points If You Have:
Direct experience scaling products within the demanding aerospace industry.
Hands-on experience with automated manufacturing systems and robotics.
Comprehensive knowledge of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100) and certification processes.
Startup experience where you had to build processes from scratch.
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.
