Flight Test Operator

Flight Test Operator

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, and V3 has a maximum range of well over 1,000 miles, a maximum useful load of 100 lbs, and a maximum endurance of nearly 20 hours. 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 a Flight Test Operator on the Flight Test team, you will be one of the people who prove Skyways aircraft in the air. You will plan and execute flight tests, operate aircraft across new conditions and mission profiles, troubleshoot in real time, and feed what you see back into our systems and procedures. Your work directly impacts the safety, reliability, and performance of our aircraft.

This is a hands-on, field-based role. You will work side by side with engineering to plan tests, validate systems, and get aircraft ready for operations.

What You'll Do:

• Plan, execute, and document flight tests and operational missions.
• Operate aircraft safely and effectively across a variety of conditions and mission profiles.
• Conduct preflight and postflight inspections and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.
• Support vehicle testing, system validation, and operational readiness reviews.
• Troubleshoot issues in the field and work directly with engineering to find root causes and drive fixes.
• Turn flight test findings into training materials, flight procedures, and operational best practices.

What You'll Bring:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience flying drones (non-DJI) for commercial purposes.
• Strong knowledge of airspace, flight safety, and regulations.
• Excellent situational awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt quickly in dynamic, real world flight environments.
• Current FAA Third Class Medical or the ability to obtain one.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience with large (>55 lb AUW) UAVs.
• Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 UAVs.
• Flight test experience on UAS or manned aircraft.
• FAA Part 61 certificate(s).
• Background in aviation or aerospace.
• Instructional experience in an aviation or other technical context.
• Technical skills in maintenance, troubleshooting, or data processing.

In addition to base salary, offers include stock options, so you own part of what you build. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401k, and life insurance.

Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to Austin.

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.