About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading the hardware development for autonomous cargo aircraft from design to production. It's a hands-on position where you'll be responsible for ensuring the hardware meets performance and reliability standards while collaborating with various teams.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have significant experience in hardware engineering and leadership, preferably in aerospace or related fields. A proactive, collaborative working style will thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Worth noting

The company is backed by Y Combinator and has a substantial contract with the U.S. Air Force, indicating strong financial support and potential for growth. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership, which may not suit those looking for a purely managerial position.

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

As Director of Hardware, you will own aircraft hardware execution from early design through production, test, and fielded reliability. This is a hands on leadership role with direct accountability for the physical systems that make the aircraft fly.

You will work closely with flight, software, manufacturing, and supply chain to turn designs into operational aircraft and continuously improve them in the field.

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?