Mechanical Engineer at Skyways

At Skyways, we are pioneering a new era of air transportation by developing fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. Based in Austin, Texas, and backed by industry-leading investors like YCombinator, we are already delivering results with vehicles currently in production and serving paying customers. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our team on-site and help us revolutionize how goods and people move.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform structural analysis on critical aircraft components.
• Take full ownership of specific vehicle subsystems for both existing and future projects.
• Collaborate closely with your peers, applying rigorous critical thinking to solve complex problems.
• Engage in the hands-on assembly of vehicles while working alongside our technicians.
• Test the systems you create, including the design and construction of necessary test stands.
• Manage procurement and coordinate directly with external manufacturing partners.
• Analyze flight data to drive continuous improvement and rapid iteration.

Must-haves

• At least 5 years of professional experience in a mechanical engineering environment, with a preference for candidates from the aerospace sector.
• A degree in mechanical, structural, or aerospace engineering.
• Extensive proficiency in CAD, with SolidWorks preferred.
• Strong background in FEA using tools like Ansys or Nastran.
• A deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles as they apply to design and analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and techniques.
• Experience managing relationships with outside vendors for parts production.
• High level of comfort with technical drawings and GD&T.
• A proactive, resilient mindset that allows you to take projects from concept to completion with minimal guidance.
• A genuine desire to work in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment where you are comfortable wearing many hats.

Nice-to-haves

• A passion for building and making, demonstrated through personal projects.
• Prior experience in the aviation or aerospace field.
• Practical manufacturing skills, such as CNC machining, milling, lathe work, composite layup, or mold making.
• Experience with 3D printing technologies.
• Background in flying planes or large-scale drones.
• Specific expertise in the design and analysis of composite structures.