Staff Mechanical Engineer
cfsenergy
Staff Mechanical Engineer
skyways· Skyways
About this role
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, and V3 has a maximum range of well over 1,000 miles, a maximum useful load of 100 lbs, and a maximum endurance of nearly 20 hours. 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 a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture and development of critical aircraft systems. This role owns complex hardware from early concept through build, testing, and flight validation.
Staff engineers play a key role in defining mechanical design strategy across the aircraft, helping guide subsystem architecture, resolving system level challenges, and supporting engineers across the team. This role requires deep technical expertise and the ability to move quickly through design, build, and test cycles.
What You'll Do:
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Lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of critical aircraft structures
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Own complex aircraft hardware from early concept through detailed design, prototype build, ground test, flight test, and iteration
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Drive system level integration across structures, avionics, propulsion, and payload systems, to resolve interface, packaging, and performance tradeoffs
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Partner closely with manufacturing to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and capable of scaling from prototype to repeatable production
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Participate in aircraft builds, integration efforts, and flight test campaigns
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Mentor engineers and help define engineering standards and best practices
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Help identify and resolve system level design challenges across the aircraft
What You'll Bring:
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
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Deep experience designing aircraft or flight vehicle structures, mechanisms, and subsystem integration
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Track record of owning novel hardware from a blank page, including the first principles sizing, loads analysis, and trade studies that set the design, not just execution within an existing architecture
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Experience taking hardware from concept through build, testing, and deployment
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Strong system level thinking and ability to resolve complex integration challenges
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Strong track record of working directly with prototype builds, hardware integration, and test campaigns, not just analysis or documentation
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Ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations teams
Bonus Points:
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Experience with composite structures or lightweight aerospace systems
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Experience leading hardware development in robotics, aerospace, or autonomous systems
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Experience working in startup or rapid hardware development environments
In addition to base salary, offers include stock options, so you own part of what you build. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401k, and life insurance.
Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to Austin.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salary disclosed for the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways?
The salary for this Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways located?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways is based in Austin, TX. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Staff Mechanical Engineer role at skyways full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Staff Mechanical Engineer role in the Skyways department at skyways.
Which team or department does the Staff Mechanical Engineer at skyways belong to?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer position is part of the Skyways department at skyways. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to skyways's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Staff Mechanical Engineer job at skyways posted?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer position at skyways was posted on Sep 17, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Staff Mechanical Engineer
skyways
You'll be redirected to skyways's official application page on Lever.