Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Skyways; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading autonomous aviation company based in Austin is looking for a hardware test engineer to join their innovative team. In this role, you will own multiple component tests, work with mechanical and electrical systems, and analyze data to correlate test results with flight performance. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of relevant engineering experience, a solid grasp of engineering principles, and proficiency with tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes. If you're excited about hands-on work and eager to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technology, this position is for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant experience in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical engineering.
• Solid foundational understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering principles.
• Genuine excitement for hands-on work and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Drive component and sub-assembly tests for R&D and qualification.
• Collaborate with design engineers to define test requirements.
• Analyze flight data to drive ground test requirements.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Data acquisition

Problem-solving

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long‑range cargo aircraft. We have been flying real missions with real customers since 2017.

Our V2 carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles and our V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000 miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a dual‑hybrid design that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane. We are currently flying on three continents, in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight, and in support of U.S. military operations.

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we are moving from prototype to full‑rate production with a path to Program of Record. Based in Austin, we are scaling fast and hiring people who want to build the world's largest fleet of autonomous logistics aircraft.

The Opportunity

Skyways is growing! We are looking for a hardware test engineer to add to our Austin‑based engineering team. This position will be responsible for developing and executing new ground tests as well as improving legacy tests. Testing encompasses structural, electrical, and propulsion systems. This position requires significant hands‑on work to build, configure, troubleshoot, and run tests. If you like the blend of design, engineering, and hands‑on work, this is a great position to get that mix!

What You’ll Do:

• Own and drive multiple component and sub‑assembly tests for the purpose of completing R&D, Qualification and Acceptance across our aircraft and GSE components.
• Work with diverse systems, including structures, mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, electrical power, mechatronics, and batteries.
• Work with design engineers to define test requirements and goals.
• Collaborate directly with design engineers to define precise test requirements and goals.
• Establish and maintain standardized tests and test reports.
• Design and build essential test equipment (structures, fixtures, sensor selection, signal conditioning, data acquisition).
• Procure both COTS and custom test equipment as needed.
• Analyze flight data to drive ground test requirements, and critically, correlate ground test results with real‑world flight performance.
• Set up, execute, and meticulously gather data from tests, performing initial analysis, reporting results, and making actionable recommendations.
• Establish and implement best practices for data analysis, including grooming, filtering, statistical analysis, and visualization.

What You’ll Bring:

• 3+ years relevant experience in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical engineering.
• Solid foundational understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering principles.
• Proven experience with data acquisition and signal conditioning.
• Proficiency with essential tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with basic functions of MATLAB, Python, VBA or other engineering programming languages.
• A highly independent work ethic with strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Genuine excitement for hands‑on work, a willingness to wear multiple hats, and a passion for continuous learning.
• Be an awesome and friendly individual.

Bonus Points If You've:

• Participated in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly (DBF), FIRST Robotics, Battlebots, etc.
• OR you have any real‑world experience building things!

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.