Autonomy Lead

Skyways; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Austin is looking for a hands-on leader to drive the development of the autonomy stack for unmanned aircraft systems. This role involves overseeing perception, state estimation, and planning while guiding engineers to ensure reliable operations. The ideal candidate has experience with autonomy systems, strong proficiency in C++ and Python, and the ability to handle real-world constraints while delivering working systems. Join us to shape the future of autonomous aviation.

Qualifications

• Experience with UAV platforms operating outside controlled environments.
• Ability to make practical tradeoffs under real constraints.
• Experience leading engineers or owning technical direction.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end autonomy stack across perception and planning.
• Lead and mentor engineers while contributing to system architecture.
• Debug real-world failures using data and system-level analysis.

Skills

Experience owning or driving autonomy systems

Strong proficiency in C++

Strong proficiency in Python

Understanding of autonomy domains

Tools

ROS2

Job description

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.

The Opportunity

This role owns autonomy at the system level.
You will define how perception, state estimation, planning, and flight behaviors work together to enable reliable, real-world operation.
You are responsible for making the full autonomy stack work in practice, not just in isolation.
This is a hands‑on leadership role. You will guide a small team while directly contributing to architecture, implementation, and flight debugging. Your work will directly determine whether aircraft complete missions safely and consistently.

What You’ll Do:

• Own the end‑to‑end autonomy stack across perception, state estimation, planning, and system behavior

• Define system architecture and make tradeoffs across performance, reliability, and complexity

• Lead and mentor engineers while contributing directly to critical parts of the stack

• Drive integration across GNC, hardware, and mission planning systems

• Define how autonomy is validated across simulation, ground testing, and flight testing

• Debug real‑world failures using flight data, logs, and system‑level analysis

• Identify gaps in the current system and drive changes needed for reliable deployment

• Set execution standards for autonomy development and delivery

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience owning or driving autonomy systems on real robotic or UAV platforms operating outside controlled environments

• Deep understanding of at least one autonomy domain (perception, estimation, planning, or navigation) and strong working knowledge across the full stack

• Experience taking systems from early development through real‑world deployment and iteration

• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python

• Experience working across software, hardware, and field or flight operations

• Ability to make practical tradeoffs under real constraints and deliver working systems

• Experience leading engineers or owning technical direction

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience with autonomous aircraft or aerial systems

• Background in robotics, computer vision, or motion planning

• Experience with real‑time or embedded systems

• Familiarity with ROS2 or similar robotics frameworks

• Experience building simulation environments tied to real‑world validation

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.