Lead Mechanical Engineer (aero)

Lead Mechanical Engineer (Aero)

At Skyways, we are building a new form of air transportation—what some call the flying car. Backed by fresh funding and a major 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

We are hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer to take a key role in the design and development of Skyways' aircraft. You will lead important projects, mentor other engineers, and drive mechanical systems from concept through flight testing and production. This is a chance to combine technical depth with leadership in a fast-moving environment where your work makes it into the air quickly.

What You'll Do:

• Contribute to the design, analysis, and integration of aircraft structures, mechanisms, and composite systems.
• Lead projects through the full development cycle: CAD, FEA, prototyping, testing, and production.
• Balance performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability in every design decision.
• Mentor and support other engineers while staying hands-on with design, prototyping, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate closely with aero, GNC, and manufacturing teammates to ensure designs perform in real-world flight.
• Build and test prototypes and see your work take flight!

What You Bring:

• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience (aerospace preferred).
• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience leading projects or small teams.
• Strong CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and FEA (Ansys, Nastran) skills.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials, and GD&T.
• Experience working with outside vendors and taking designs into production.
• Startup mindset: resourceful, resilient, able to take a project from vague requirements to a flying aircraft.

Bonus Points:

• You are a maker and doer! Show us your projects!
• Composite design and analysis experience.
• Hands-on shop skills (CNC, CAM, composites, 3D printing, etc).
• Flight experience (aircraft or drones).

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.