What are the responsibilities and job description for the UAS Field Operations Engineer position at Skyways?
Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.
Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000 miles with 20 hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.
Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is building the future of autonomous logistics aviation from Austin, Texas.
The Opportunity
This role keeps autonomous aircraft operational in the real world.
You will support daily flight operations across Europe, working directly on aircraft systems in operational environments. This includes mission setup, launch and recovery, troubleshooting, maintenance, and field support for deployed aircraft systems.
You will work closely with engineering and operations teams to diagnose issues, improve reliability, and ensure aircraft are mission-ready. Your work directly impacts flight operations, deployment readiness, and mission success.
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Support daily flight operations for autonomous fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft
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Perform aircraft setup, pre-flight/post-flight procedures, launch, recovery, and mission configuration
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Troubleshoot avionics, communications, payload, networking, and mission software issues
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Support aircraft maintenance, repair, and operational readiness activities
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Work with engineering teams to diagnose failures and improve system reliability
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Support demonstrations, deployments, and training events throughout Europe
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Document operational issues, maintenance activities, and flight data
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Authorization to live and work in Germany and willingness to be based in Norden, Germany
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Hands-on experience with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
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Experience supporting field operations for fixed-wing and/or VTOL aircraft
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Strong troubleshooting skills across aircraft hardware and software systems
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Familiarity with aviation safety procedures and maintenance documentation
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Ability to operate independently in fast-moving environments
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Willingness to travel and support flexible flight schedules
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Experience with BVLOS operations
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Military, commercial, or government UAS experience
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Familiarity with Linux systems, RF communications, or networking
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FAA Part 107, EASA, or equivalent aviation experience