QA Engineering Manager

The role

Build and lead Skyways' Quality Assurance function from the ground up as the first person in this role. Own quality across the full lifecycle, from receiving and development through production and delivery of autonomous cargo aircraft.

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.

Required qualifications

• 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.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR regulations.

Nice to 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.

Benefits

• Stock options, so you own part of what you build.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401k.
• Life insurance.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Austin.

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR regulations.
• 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, it has deployed autonomous logistics systems and flies revenue missions for commercial customers across three continents.