Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. We have been flying real missions with real customers since 2017.
Our V2 carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles and our V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000 miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a dual-hybrid design that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane. We are currently flying on three continents, in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight, and in support of U.S. military operations.
Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we are moving from prototype to full-rate production with a path to Program of Record. Based in Austin, we are scaling fast and hiring people who want to build the world's largest fleet of autonomous logistics aircraft.
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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.