Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Skyways; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading autonomous air transportation company based in Austin is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to develop manufacturing processes as aircraft transition from prototype to production. The role involves close collaboration with engineering teams, creating build documentation, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering and experience in developing processes for complex hardware systems. Join us to help build the future of aviation!

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience developing processes for complex hardware systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing processes for aircraft components.
• Create and maintain work instructions and documentation.
• Lead troubleshooting of manufacturing issues during builds.
• Work closely with engineering teams on manufacturability.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Problem solving

Collaboration with engineering teams

Experience with composite structures

Creating work instructions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Aircraft assembly tooling

Design software

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

Skyways is hiring a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development of manufacturing processes as aircraft move from prototype builds toward repeatable production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering and production, ensuring aircraft designs can be built efficiently and consistently.

You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and flight teams to improve manufacturability, develop tooling and build processes, and support aircraft production as deployments grow. This role requires strong problem solving skills and the ability to work directly with hardware during aircraft builds.

What You’ll Do

• Develop manufacturing processes for aircraft components and assemblies
• Create and maintain work instructions, build documentation, and manufacturing workflows
• Design fixtures and tooling that improve aircraft assembly efficiency
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of manufacturing issues during aircraft builds and integration
• Work closely with engineering teams to improve design for manufacturability
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to support hardware production
• Identify process improvements that increase build efficiency, quality, and repeatability
• Help transition aircraft from prototype builds toward scalable production

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• Experience developing manufacturing processes for complex hardware systems
• Experience working with composite structures
• Experience creating work instructions and production documentation
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills related to hardware builds
• Comfort working directly with production teams and prototype builds
• Ability to collaborate closely with engineering teams to improve manufacturability

Bonus Points

• Experience with aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems manufacturing
• Experience supporting early stage hardware companies scaling production
• Experience developing tooling, fixtures, and build processes for complex assemblies

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.