Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

The role

You will develop and run subsystem test programs for aircraft hardware, covering structures, propulsion, electrical systems and avionics. You will also build test fixtures, instrumentation and data systems, and work with other teams to find failures early.

What you will 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 hardware
• Mentor junior test engineers and raise standards for test programs, fixtures and data analysis
• Analyze test data and identify system failures, performance gaps and reliability issues
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and integration issues during testing
• 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

Required qualifications

• 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 a related field
• 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

Nice to have

• Participation in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly, FIRST Robotics, Battlebots or similar
• 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

Benefits

• Stock options
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 401k
• Life insurance
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Austin

Before you apply

• Limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations, due to U.S. government contract requirements

About the company

Skyways designs, builds and operates fully autonomous long range cargo aircraft, founded in 2017. Its aircraft fly revenue missions for commercial customers across three continents, and the company is backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force.