Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead

Skyways is a startup based in Austin, TX, building a new form of air transportation, focusing on fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles.
Staff Software Engineer
In-Person
8+ years of experience

Description For Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead

Skyways, an innovative startup based in Austin, TX, is revolutionizing air transportation with fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. Backed by respected investors including YCombinator, Skyways already has vehicles in production and serving paying customers, including collaborations with the US Navy.

As the Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead, you'll spearhead the hardware and aero efforts at Skyways. This role demands a passionate individual excited about flying innovations and ready to tackle tough engineering challenges. You'll lead the design, development, and testing of all hardware systems, from flight control to propulsion, sensors, and more.

Key responsibilities include overseeing hardware component selection, managing development plans, mentoring a team of engineers, conducting feasibility studies, and collaborating across departments. You'll drive prototyping, testing, and take ownership of product performance and reliability.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in aerospace, with a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. You should excel in CAD and FEA, understand manufacturing processes, and be comfortable working with outside vendors. This role suits a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to wear multiple hats.

Join Skyways to be at the forefront of a transportation revolution, working directly on aircraft that will shape the future of mobility. If you're ready to take flight with a dynamic team and see your creations soar, this is your chance to make a significant impact in the world of autonomous aerial vehicles.

Last updated 9 months ago

Responsibilities For Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead

  • Lead hardware / aero effort at Skyways: design, development, and testing of all hardware systems
  • Oversee the selection, specification, and qualification of hardware components
  • Create and manage comprehensive hardware development plans and schedules
  • Direct and mentor a team of junior to senior engineers
  • Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for new hardware designs
  • Collaborate with software engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
  • Drive the creation of prototypes and oversee rigorous testing
  • Take ownership of the overall performance and reliability of the company's product
  • Support the resolution of hardware-related issues
  • Actively participate in design reviews
  • Contribute individually to hardware design and problem-solving when necessary
  • Foster a culture of integrity, promoting transparency, and honesty

Requirements For Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead

Linux
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in a relevant environment (aerospace industry preferred)
  • Degree in mechanical, or aerospace engineering
  • Multi-year experience leading teams
  • Excellent communication skills across the entire org
  • Extensive experience with CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Extensive experience with FEA (Ansys, Nastran)
  • In-depth understanding of mechanical engineering discipline
  • Well-versed in manufacturing processes/techniques used in the aerospace industry
  • Experience working with outside vendors for manufacturing
  • Familiar with technical drawings and GD&T
  • Want to work at a small early stage startup
  • Want to wear many hats
  • Self starter and resilient

Benefits For Senior Aero / Mechanical Engineer Lead

  • Opportunity to work on a transportation revolution
  • Fast-paced startup environment
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft development

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