QA Engineering Manager

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   The QA Engineering Manager will build Skyways’ quality foundation from the ground up. This is not a policy role. It is an opportunity to design and lead how quality is embedded into everything we design, build, and fly.   You will be the first person in this function, owning quality across the full lifecycle from receiving and development through production and delivery. You will create the systems and processes that make quality inseparable from how Skyways operates, ensuring every part, assembly, and aircraft meets the highest standards before it leaves the floor.   This role is for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in new territory. You will jump into the unknown, build structure where there is none, and make quality a core advantage for Skyways as we scale. What You Will Do: • Build and lead Skyways’ Quality Assurance function from the ground up. • Create and implement a complete Quality Management System covering receiving, development, production, and final delivery. • Establish clear inspection and documentation processes at every step, from parts arriving to aircraft shipping out. • Partner with production and engineering to define QA checkpoints, resolve issues, and drive root cause improvements. • Manage supplier quality and incoming inspection programs. • Ensure documentation, traceability, and accountability through every build. • Prepare the company for FAA, DoD, and ISO audits. • Build a culture where quality and speed coexist. What You Will Bring: • 8+ years of experience in quality assurance or quality engineering in aerospace, defense, or automotive manufacturing. • Proven experience setting up and scaling QMS processes in a production environment. • Deep understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalent frameworks. • Hands on approach to solving production and supplier issues. • Ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and flight teams. • Strong documentation habits and attention to detail. • Passion for aviation and for building real systems that fly. • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR regulations. Bonus Points If You Have: • Experience bringing new aircraft or complex systems into production. • Familiarity with UAV operations, flight testing, or airworthiness certification. • Startup experience building quality programs from zero. 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.