Technical Program Manager at skyways

At Skyways, we are building the next generation of autonomous air transportation. Our fully autonomous unmanned aircraft systems move cargo faster and more efficiently than traditional logistics networks. Backed by strong investor support and a $37M STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, we operate at the intersection of commercial logistics and national defense. Our aircraft are not just prototypes—we design, build, fly, and deploy them with real customers today. Based in Austin and supported by investors including Y Combinator, Skyways combines rapid engineering iteration with real-world operations. As we scale toward larger deployments, we are looking for people who want to help build and operate the future of autonomous aviation. The Opportunity Skyways is hiring its first Technical Program Manager to help drive execution across our aircraft development programs. This role sits at the center of engineering, manufacturing, flight operations, and customer programs, ensuring complex technical work stays coordinated and key milestones are delivered. You will take customer requirements and translate them into clear internal plans, timelines, and owners. From there, you’ll work across teams to track progress, surface risks early, and keep programs moving forward. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys operating in the middle of complex technical work, coordinating teams, managing program details, and helping the company deliver real aircraft systems to customers. What You'll Do: • Own day to day program execution across aircraft development programs, ensuring milestones, schedules, and deliverables stay on track • Translate customer requirements and contract commitments into clear internal timelines, tasks, and owners across teams • Track dependencies across engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to ensure teams stay aligned and programs continue moving forward • Identify program risks, blockers, or resource gaps early and drive resolution across teams • Maintain program schedules and ensure deliverables align with program milestones and customer expectations • Lead program reviews and provide clear updates on progress, risks, and next steps to leadership and customers • Support multiple programs including STRATFI and commercial deployments as Skyways continues to scale What You'll Bring: • Experience delivering programs for aircraft, UAVs, robotics, or other complex hardware systems • Experience owning program execution from planning through delivery including milestones, schedules, and cross team coordination • Experience coordinating work across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to drive program execution • Ability to translate customer requirements and contract deliverables into clear internal plans and priorities • Enough technical understanding to engage engineers, ask strong questions, and understand system tradeoffs • Experience supporting the development, testing, or deployment of physical hardware systems • Comfortable running program reviews, tracking issues, and communicating program status with leadership and customers • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs or workstreams at the same time Bonus Points: • Experience working with defense customers or government programs • Experience coordinating flight tests, field deployments, or operational launches • Startup or early stage hardware company experience where program processes were still evolving • Familiarity with FAA, DoD, or other regulated aerospace program environments Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more! Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations. 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.