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Afwerx Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity The QA ...

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 Skyways is looking ...

Director of Software

Austin, TX · On-site

$250.80K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity As ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX

$103.60K - $136.80K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity This ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Austin, TX

$90.20K - $123.40K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity This ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103.60K - $136.80K/yr

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 owns ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity At ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity As a ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121.40K - $160.10K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity This ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity The QA ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity As a ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity We're ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90.20K - $123.40K/yr

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 helps ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity We're ...

Federal Account Executive

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$200K - $300K/yr

Engage directly with organizations including DIU, AFWERX, PEOs, acquisition commands, and federal innovation programs * Shape early-stage opportunities by understanding mission gaps, acquisition ...

Autonomy Lead

Austin, TX

$101.60K - $133.80K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity This ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity ...

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121.40K - $160.10K/yr

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity This ...

Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas. The Opportunity ...

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Afwerx information

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$26

$61

How much do afwerx jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for afwerx in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an AFWERX Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an AFWERX Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, innovation strategy, and a background in business or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with government contracting, agile project management tools, and platforms like Salesforce or Asana is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills help build partnerships between the Air Force and private sector innovators. These skills are crucial for successfully advancing technology solutions and fostering innovation within the Air Force ecosystem.

How does working at AFWERX typically involve collaboration with other teams and stakeholders within the Air Force innovation ecosystem?

At AFWERX, collaboration is central to most roles, as team members regularly work alongside Air Force personnel, private sector partners, startups, and research institutions. You can expect to participate in cross-functional teams to develop, test, and implement innovative solutions for the Air Force's challenges. This environment encourages open communication and frequent meetings to align objectives and share progress. Building strong relationships and being adaptable are key to success, as projects often require integrating diverse perspectives and expertise.

What is AFWERX?

AFWERX is an innovation program within the United States Air Force aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration between the military, industry, academia, and entrepreneurs. Its goal is to solve complex Air Force challenges by accelerating the development and adoption of innovative technologies and business processes. AFWERX provides funding opportunities, facilitates partnerships, and organizes events such as challenges and workshops to connect innovators with Air Force needs. By leveraging diverse ideas and solutions, AFWERX helps the Air Force stay ahead in an ever-evolving global landscape.

What is the difference between Afwerx vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectAfwerxCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+), sometimes clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, innovation labs, defense projectsCorporate, government, or consulting firms focusing on security
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Defense, Air Force, defense contractorsPrivate companies, government agencies, cybersecurity firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Afwerx focuses on innovative defense projects and technology development within government and defense sectors, often requiring security clearances. Cybersecurity Analysts primarily protect organizational networks from cyber threats, working in various industries. While both roles involve technical skills and security knowledge, Afwerx emphasizes innovation and defense technology, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts focus on security operations and threat mitigation.

More about Afwerx jobs
What cities are hiring for Afwerx jobs? Cities with the most Afwerx job openings:
What states have the most Afwerx jobs? States with the most job openings for Afwerx jobs include:
Infographic showing various Afwerx job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 69% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
QA Engineering Manager

QA Engineering Manager

Skyways

Austin, TX

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

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 creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.

The Opportunity
 
The QA Engineering Manager will build Skyways’ quality foundation from the ground up. This is not a policy role. It is an opportunity to design and lead how quality is embedded into everything we design, build, and fly.
 
You will be the first person in this function, owning quality across the full lifecycle from receiving and development through production and delivery. You will create the systems and processes that make quality inseparable from how Skyways operates, ensuring every part, assembly, and aircraft meets the highest standards before it leaves the floor.
 
This role is for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in new territory. You will jump into the unknown, build structure where there is none, and make quality a core advantage for Skyways as we scale.
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.
What You Will Bring:
  • 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.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR regulations.
Bonus Points If You 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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.