Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

SkywaysAustin, TX

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Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Education

Engineering (PE)

Career level

Senior-level

Remote

On-site

Job Description

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

This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight.

You will develop and execute subsystem test programs across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware. Your work will directly impact aircraft reliability, development speed, and flight readiness.

You will build the infrastructure needed to test complex systems quickly and accurately, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test workflows. The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on execution, and the ability to diagnose problems across mechanical and electrical systems.

You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight test teams to identify failures early, improve system reliability, and support rapid aircraft iteration.

The ideal candidate is comfortable building test systems from scratch, troubleshooting hardware issues directly, and operating in fast-moving hardware development environments.

What You'll Do:

Develop and execute subsystem test plans for aircraft hardware and integrated systems
Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
Support testing across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware
Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis are built and run across the team
Analyze test data and identify system failures, performance gaps, and reliability issues
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integration issues during testing activities
Collaborate with engineering teams to improve subsystem performance and validation processes
Develop automated test workflows, documentation, and test procedures
Support ground testing, aircraft integration, and flight test activities

What You'll Bring:

5+ years developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems, including building test infrastructure from scratch
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Experience developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems
Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems
Experience analyzing test data and diagnosing system-level issues
Ability to work directly with hardware in lab, production, or flight test environments
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving engineering environments

Bonus Points If You've:

Participated in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly (DBF), FIRST Robotics, Battlebots, etc.
Experience with aerospace, UAV, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance hardware systems
Experience supporting propulsion, battery, avionics, or environmental testing
Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or automated test frameworks
Experience supporting flight test or operational hardware deployments
Experience with environmental, vibration, thermal, or structural testing

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.

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FAQs About Senior Subsystem Test Engineer Jobs at Skyways

What is the work location for this position at Skyways?

This job at Skyways is located in Austin, TX, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Skyways?

Employer has not shared pay details for this role.

What employment applies to this position at Skyways?

Skyways lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at Skyways?

Skyways is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.

What education level is required for this job?

The education requirement for this position is Engineering (PE). Candidates with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience may also be considered.

What is the process to apply for this position at Skyways?

You can apply for this role at Skyways either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.