Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Smithfield, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation.
About You:
You are an experienced systems engineer with experience in the development of system/sub-system architecture, system/sub-system requirements, and testing of systems to comply with its requirements. You have experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams of varying engineering domains, customers, suppliers, and partners. You have experience in the definition of Autonomous behaviors and functions of AI enabled control systems. You have a passion for new development and have a proven record of navigating the challenges in new product development. You’ve worked in an experimental R&D of safety critical systems/sub-systems and have the ability to keep safety at the forefront while still moving quickly.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a small team of System Engineers and be accountable for the execution of System Engineering tasks and delivery of work products which includes the following:
- Lead the development of systems engineering development plans and processes as needed for technical execution.
- Managing systems engineering tasking and aligning disciplines to support their successful and timely completion
- Manage system-level verification and validation activities.
- Lead reviews of artifacts with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities as required.
- Review of concepts of operation, system architecture (including functional and physical architectures), system requirements, and system interfaces for Merlin products. On this small, agile team, you will own significant pieces of these activities yourself.
- Work cross-functionally with the safety, hardware, and software teams to capture, document, and communicate requirements and interfaces.
Qualifications:
- BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering or a related subject, MS preferred.
- 6+ years of experience conducting systems engineering (4-6 years with MS degree; 2-4 years with PhD).
- Specific experience in Flight Control Systems with aspects of ML or Autonomy
- Experience in Flight Control System Development
- Demonstrated ability to lead small teams in solving complex architectural and systems engineering-related problems.
- Experience with requirements management tools and processes
- Demonstrated ability to develop system-level requirements, architecture, and interfaces, and perform requirements validation and verification
Nice to Have:
- Experience conducting systems engineering in FAA/EASA/DOD certification programs.
- Hands-on experience in certifying avionics equipment using ARP4754A and RTCA DO-178B/C for safety-critical systems.
- Specific experience in the area of Automatic Flight Controls, Flight Management, or Display Systems.
- Specific experience in developing software requirements and performing software verification.
- Working knowledge of FAA/EASA/DOD regulations and standards is a plus.
- Working knowledge of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a plus but not required.
- Familiarity with Simulink, Cameo, IADS, Jama.
Logistics:
Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, flexible paid time off, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: people@merlinlabs.com
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
From Merlin Labs's careers page. First seen Jul 8, 2026, last verified Oct 26, 2026.