Manufacturing Engineer

At Skyways, we are building the next generation of autonomous air transportation. Our fully autonomous unmanned aircraft systems move cargo faster and more efficiently than traditional logistics networks.

Backed by strong investor support and a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we operate at the intersection of commercial logistics and national defense. Our aircraft are not just prototypes—we design, build, fly, and deploy them with real customers today.

Based in Austin and supported by investors including Y Combinator, Skyways combines rapid engineering iteration with real-world operations. As we scale toward larger deployments, we are looking for people who want to help build and operate the future of autonomous aviation.

What You'll Do:

• Collaborate with the engineering and manufacturing teams to develop and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures for scalable and efficient production.
• Provide design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback to engineering, ensuring cost-effective and production-ready designs for high-volume output.
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to implement lean principles, advanced automation solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives, driving efficiency and quality across all production stages.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality to resolve issues.
• Document processes, conduct root cause analysis, and select equipment.
• Help manage interactions with Contract Manufacturers

What You'll Bring:

• 4+ years experience successfully scaling products from prototype to high-volume production.
• Strong foundational knowledge of various manufacturing processes, with particular expertise in composites.
• Proficiency in CAD software and a deep understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, clear and concise communication skills, and robust project management expertise.
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems. For production readiness, we will be getting everything set up so that the ERP system can track aircraft builds, inventory, quality issues, individual parts, and several other things

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.
• A background thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

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.