About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

The CTO at Skyways will lead the engineering efforts to scale their autonomous cargo aircraft systems. This role involves overseeing autonomy, software, hardware, and systems integration, and requires hands-on decision-making to improve production reliability and speed. It's an executive position focused on shaping existing technology rather than starting from scratch.

Good fit

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in engineering leadership, particularly in aerospace or autonomous systems, and a strong background in scaling complex technologies. A hands-on, decisive working style is essential for navigating the challenges of a fast-paced startup environment.

Worth noting

Skyways is backed by Y Combinator and has significant military contracts, which could provide unique opportunities for innovation and growth. However, the role demands a high level of ownership and may involve navigating existing complexities rather than building from a clean slate.

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.

Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.

Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a CTO to take what already works and make it scale.

Right now, the system flies. The team is strong. The pieces exist.

What’s missing is tight ownership across the full stack to turn this into a production system that is reliable, repeatable, and fast to iterate on.

This role owns that.

You will run engineering across autonomy, software, hardware, and systems integration. You will work directly with flight ops and manufacturing. You will decide where we invest, what we cut, and how we move faster without breaking things that matter.

This is not a role where you inherit a clean system. It’s a role where you shape it.

Skills & Tags

go ai product design

Aplyr's read

Skyways is an ambitious air freight logistics company, attracting talent passionate about aviation and cutting-edge transportation technology.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Skyways focuses on air freight, a growing sector with increasing global demand.
•The company invests in advanced technology, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
•Skyways offers diverse roles, indicating a broad scope of operations and opportunities.

What to watch

•High competition in the logistics sector may pressure profit margins.
•Dependence on air freight exposes the company to fuel price volatility.
•Limited public information about company culture and employee satisfaction.

Why Skyways

•Skyways specializes in air freight, differentiating it from ground-focused logistics firms.
•The company is actively hiring for senior technical roles, indicating a focus on innovation.
•Skyways' emphasis on autonomy and robotics suggests a forward-thinking approach.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?