Head of Regulatory Affairs
Austin, TX
Executive – Leadership /
Full-time /
On-site
At Skyways, we are building a new form of air transportation—what some call the flying car. Backed by fresh funding and a major STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we’re uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of aviation innovation. Our fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a breakthrough opportunity to move goods—and soon, people—in ways that are faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before. Unlike anyone else in the industry, our strategy blends rapid iteration with real-world deployment, and it’s already paying off.
Skyways is a fast-growing startup based in Austin, TX, supported by top Silicon Valley investors including Y Combinator. Though we’re early-stage, our vehicles are already in production and in the hands of paying commercial customers (see here and here). With robust financial backing and government partnerships accelerating our momentum, there’s never been a better time to join us and help build the future of transportation!
The Opportunity
We’re hiring a Head of Regulatory Affairs to lead our interactions with the FAA, DoD, and other governing bodies shaping the future of advanced air mobility. This role will own regulatory strategy, certification pathways, and compliance, ensuring Skyways is not only meeting today’s requirements but also influencing tomorrow’s standards. You will be our internal and external regulatory champion, partnering with engineering, operations, supply chain, and government stakeholders to keep our programs flight ready and compliant.
What You’ll Do:
- Define and lead Skyways’ regulatory strategy for UAVs, from R&D through certification and deployment.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with FAA, DoD, and other relevant regulatory authorities.
- Guide engineering teams on certification requirements including airworthiness, safety, maintenance, and cybersecurity.
- Lead development of compliance roadmaps, including type certification, production certification, and operational approvals.
- Represent Skyways at industry associations, standards boards, and regulatory working groups.
- Develop internal compliance policies, processes, and training programs.
- Monitor evolving global regulations and assess their impact on Skyways’ products and operations.
- Support government and commercial contracts with regulatory insight and approvals.
- Serve as the company’s subject-matter expert on UAV regulatory issues, providing guidance across all functions.
What You’ll Bring:
- 10+ years in regulatory affairs, certification, or compliance in aerospace, aviation, or defense.
- Deep familiarity with FAA certification processes (Part 21, Part 23, Part 135, Part 107, etc.).
- Experience working with government and regulatory agencies on certification and compliance programs.
- Proven ability to build and lead regulatory teams or programs in fast-moving environments.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear engineering and operational actions.
Bonus Points If You Have:
- Prior experience certifying UAVs, UAM, eVTOL, or other emerging aviation platforms.
- Existing relationships with FAA, DoD, or international aviation authorities.
- Experience in defense-related compliance including ITAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Background in startups or new product certification programs.
- Law, policy, or advanced regulatory degree.
Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!
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.
