Program Manager
Austin, TX
Program Management – Technical Program Management /
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
Skyways is expanding, and we're looking for a Program Manager. This is a crucial role responsible for diligently managing and driving the execution of important programs vital to the development and deployment of Skyways' autonomous aircraft. This role ensures programs meet strategic goals, timelines, and quality standards. This position provides dedicated, expert-level program leadership, coordination across different teams, and strong risk management for our rapidly growing portfolio of projects.
What You'll Do:
- Lead daily check-ins and weekly program reviews, ensuring clear action items and accountability.
- Serve as the main point of contact between Skyways and our customers for flight operations, ensuring smooth communication and successful mission execution for all flight-related aspects.
- Coordinate extensively with other Skyways teams and departments to ensure fluid communication and alignment across all flight-related initiatives.
- Proactively identify and resolve obstacles and dependencies between teams.
- Communicate program status, risks, and key decisions to internal teams and leadership.
- Develop, track, and update detailed program schedules and resource plans.
- Facilitate discussions and decision-making between various teams and external partners.
- Orchestrate complex interdependencies across different groups and external partners, ensuring seamless progress and proactive problem resolution.
- Directly contribute to Skyways' mission by ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of our autonomous aircraft, accelerating our path to mass production and global deployment for critical military and commercial logistics.
What You'll Bring:
- Proven experience driving complex development programs from concept to production, ideally in aerospace, robotics, or a highly regulated environment.
- Strong understanding of product development processes.
- Proficiency with project management software (Asana) and G Suite.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of an organization.
- Strong leadership presence and ability to influence without direct authority.
- Superior problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- High level of organizational skill and attention to detail.
- Proactive, self-starter with a strong bias for action.
- Comfortable with uncertainty and able to thrive in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment.
Bonus Points If You Have:
- Experience with autonomous systems, aviation, or defense programs.
- Familiarity with certification processes (e.g., FAA, DoD).Knowledge of systems principles.
- Experience in a fast-paced startup environment.
- PMP or equivalent program management certification.
- Experience with product lifecycle management systems.
Why Join Skyways?
- Mission: To create a new form of transportation to advance our civilization.
- Growth: Be instrumental in scaling our rapidly growing product portfolio and operational capabilities, with the potential for future growth into a team lead role.
- Ownership: Take ownership of critical programs, driving them from concept to deployment, directly influencing the development of autonomous aircraft that are already operational.
- Culture: Work with a passionate and collaborative team of brilliant, mission-driven individuals. We foster a culture of excellence, rapid iteration, and shared commitment to safety and innovation. You'll have direct collaboration with experienced leadership.
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.
