Director of Production

Skyways; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Skyways is seeking a VP of Production to lead the transition from low-rate builds to scalable production of autonomous cargo aircraft in Austin, Texas. This hands-on leadership role requires experience in ramping production for complex hardware, building active manufacturing processes, and ensuring accountability for production metrics. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and can effectively collaborate across engineering and operations to deliver quality products. This position is crucial for scaling our operations and meeting ambitious production targets.

Qualifications

• Led a production ramp for complex hardware.
• Built manufacturing processes actively used.
• Accountable for throughput, yield, cost, and delivery.
• Thrived in ambiguous environments.
• Comfortable on the production floor.
• Pushed teams to align operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead production from low-rate to scalable builds.
• Establish and run manufacturing systems.
• Drive daily operations and identify issues quickly.
• Build a reliable supply chain for production targets.
• Ensure compliance with regulations without slowing down.

Skills

Production ramp leadership

Manufacturing process design

Accountability for output

Comfort in operational details

Collaboration with engineering

Quality assurance

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 building autonomous aircraft that are already flying real missions. The next challenge is not proving it works. It’s building it reliably, repeatedly, and at scale.

We are looking for a VP of Production to take us from low-rate builds to a true production system. This role owns everything required to make aircraft that don’t just fly once, but fly every time.

You will build the production system, not inherit one. That includes the factory, the processes, the team, and the operating cadence. This is a hands‑on leadership role where execution matters more than strategy slides.

What You’ll Do:

• Take aircraft from low-rate builds to repeatable, scalable production
• Stand up manufacturing systems that actually run under real conditions
• Build and lead production, manufacturing engineering, and quality as one team
• Work side‑by‑side with engineering to close the gap between design and build
• Drive daily execution on the floor. Identify what’s breaking and fix it fast
• Own throughput, yield, cost, and schedule. Be accountable when they miss
• Build supply chain that can support aggressive production targets, not just prototypes
• Reduce BOM cost without compromising reliability
• Establish a production cadence that increases speed without losing control
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, safety, and quality requirements without slowing the team down

What You’ll Bring:

• You have personally led a production ramp for a complex hardware system
• You have built manufacturing processes that were used daily, not just designed on paper
• You have been accountable for output. Throughput, yield, cost, and delivery
• You have worked in environments where things were unclear and still moved them forward
• You are comfortable on the floor, in the build, and in the details when needed
• You can push engineering, supply chain, and operations to align and deliver
• You know how to move fast without letting quality collapse

Bonus Points:

• Built a factory or production line from scratch
• Experience in regulated environments (FAA, DoD, etc.)
• Deep experience with DFM, yield improvement, and reliability in the field
• You thrive in ambiguity and love solving problems no one has solved before

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.