Head of Flight
Austin, TX
Flight – Flight /
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 growing, and we're looking for a Head of Flight. This is a critical leadership role that will define, lead, and scale all flight operations and flight testing. You'll ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational standards for both internal and customer flights, providing strategic oversight as we prepare for global scale.
What You'll Do:
- Provide strategic and operational oversight for all flight activities.
- Act as the primary flight operations interface between Skyways and our customers, ensuring seamless 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.
- Engage directly with regulatory bodies and military stakeholders.
- Lead, mentor, and develop flight team members.
- Oversee test scheduling and aircraft planning.
- Manage flight personnel.
What You'll Bring:
- Significant experience (10+ years implied) leading flight operations and/or flight testing in an aviation environment.
- Deep understanding of aviation principles and flight dynamics, demonstrated through relevant experience and/or certifications.
- Proven experience engaging with and navigating aviation regulatory bodies.
- Demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and manage high-performing teams.
- Strong, independent problem-solving capabilities.
- A genuine passion for hands-on work and continuous learning within the aviation field.
Bonus Points If You've:
- Held high-level management positions at cutting-edge aviation companies.
- Experience in the space, airlines, or automotive industries, especially leading complex engineering teams.
- A background as a military pilot transitioning to the private sector.
- Experience with organizations like United Airlines (organizational emphasis) or those leading flight at advanced composite manufacturers.
Why Join Skyways:
- Impact: Lead the charge in transforming air transportation.
- Growth: Be instrumental in scaling a rapidly growing, innovative company.
- Ownership: Take ownership of critical flight operations and testing functions.
- Culture: Work with a passionate and collaborative team.
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.
