Skyways Logo

Skyways

Mechanical Engineer

Reposted 15 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Austin, TX, USA
Entry level
In-Office
Austin, TX, USA
Entry level
The Mechanical Engineer will design and build components for autonomous aircraft, support integration, testing, and iterate designs based on performance feedback.
The summary above was generated by AI
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

    Skyways is hiring Mechanical Engineers to help design and build the physical systems that make our aircraft fly. Engineers in this role work directly with hardware and see their designs move quickly from concept to prototype, aircraft integration, ground testing, and flight.
     
    You will design components, support aircraft builds, and help test and improve hardware based on real world performance. The role sits close to manufacturing and flight operations, giving engineers direct feedback on how their designs perform in the field.
     
    This role is a strong fit for engineers who enjoy building real hardware and iterating quickly through the full design, build, and test cycle.

What You'll Do:

  • Design mechanical components and assemblies for aircraft structures and subsystem integration.

  • Build prototypes, support aircraft integration, and iterate designs based on manufacturing, testing, and flight performance

  • Create CAD models, drawings, and documentation used during aircraft builds.

  • Work closely with electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight teams to ensure hardware performs reliably in real operations.

  • Design test stands, write test plans, and conduct test campaigns to characterize subsystem performance.

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

  • Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies using CAD tools such as SolidWorks or similar

  • Experience building or prototyping hardware and working directly with physical systems during integration or testing

  • Strong problem solving skills and first principles

  • Comfort working in a fast moving engineering environment where designs evolve quickly

  • Ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines to solve system level problems

  • Interest in working on aircraft, robotics, or other complex hardware systems

Bonus Points:

  • Experience designing and building hardware for aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems

  • Experience supporting prototype builds, integration, or hardware testing

  • Experience with composite structures or lightweight mechanical systems

  • Startup or early stage hardware company experience where engineers work directly with builds and testing

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.

Skyways Austin, Texas, USA Office

Austin, Texas, United States

Similar Jobs

5 Days Ago
Easy Apply
Hybrid
Austin, TX, USA
Easy Apply
Senior level
Senior level
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead design, analysis, prototyping, and testing of electric actuators for a robotic hand. Select and package motors, drivetrains, bearings, and encoders. Produce drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, and DVP&R. Mentor junior engineers, perform FEA and root-cause analysis, and iterate designs for manufacturability and scalability.
Top Skills: BallscrewsCreoDvp&REncodersFeaGd&TMotor Control SystemsNxPcb LayoutSolidworks
18 Days Ago
Easy Apply
Hybrid
Austin, TX, USA
Easy Apply
5-35 Annually
Senior level
5-35 Annually
Senior level
Computer Vision • Hardware • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
The Manufacturing Engineer will oversee supplier processes, ensure production readiness, qualify new parts, and drive continuous improvement in robotic hardware production.
Top Skills: ApqpErpFmeaIpc-A-610Ipc/Whma-A-620J-Std-001Metrology ToolsMrpPpapSpc
23 Days Ago
Hybrid
Austin, TX, USA
133K-226K Annually
Senior level
133K-226K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Lead the design and oversight of HVAC and plumbing systems in commercial buildings, ensuring integration with project goals and applicable codes. Responsible for developing engineering designs, performing feasibility studies, and conducting technical reviews for major infrastructure projects.
Top Skills: AutocadBluebeamExcelNavisworksRevitWord

What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene

Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.

Key Facts About Austin Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
  • Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account