Technical Program Manager

AI overview

As the first Technical Program Manager at Skyways, you'll lead critical programs for autonomous aircraft development and deployment, ensuring strategic goals and quality standards are met.
At Skyways, we are building a new form of air transportation—what some call the flying car. Backed by fresh funding and a major STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of aviation innovation. Our fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a breakthrough opportunity to move goods—and soon, people—in ways that are faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before. Unlike anyone else in the industry, our strategy blends rapid iteration with real-world deployment, and it’s already paying off. Skyways is a fast-growing startup based in Austin, TX, supported by top Silicon Valley investors including Y Combinator. Though we’re early-stage, our vehicles are already in production and in the hands of paying commercial customers (see here and here). With robust financial backing and government partnerships accelerating our momentum, there’s never been a better time to join us and help build the future of transportation! The Opportunity Skyways is expanding, and we're looking for our first Technical Program Manager. This is a crucial role responsible for diligently managing and driving the execution of important programs vital to the development and deployment of Skyways' autonomous aircraft. This role ensures programs meet strategic goals, timelines, and quality standards. This position provides dedicated, expert-level program leadership, coordination across different teams, and strong risk management for our rapidly growing portfolio of projects. Location: Austin in office What You'll Do:
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships, including regular on-site visits and travel to customer locations for reviews, launches, and key milestonesFocus on understanding customer needs, prioritizing them, and ensuring they’re met.
  • Manage contracts, schedules, and resources, including contract writing (proposals), negotiations, and compliance.
  • Lead program reviews and clearly communicate and report on status, risks, and changes.
  • Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, operations, and marketing.
  • Ensure deliverables meet commitments and quality standards.
  • What You'll Bring:
  • 6+ years managing complex technical programs (aerospace, robotics, defense preferred)
  • Customer-facing experience with both technical and contractual oversight
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to lead without direct authority and work across teams
  • Proficiency with program management tools (Asana, G Suite, or similar)
  • Bonus Points If You Have:
  • Autonomous systems, aviation, or defense background
  • FAA/DoD certification knowledge
  • Startup or early-stage program experience
  • PMP or equivalent certification
  • Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!

    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.

    A new form of transportation is here.

    View all jobs
    Get hired quicker

    Be the first to apply. Receive an email whenever similar jobs are posted.

    Ace your job interview

    Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.

    Technical Program Manager Q&A's
    Report this job
    Apply for this job