Vice President of Autonomy
Vice President of Autonomy
Posted on :
09-08-2025
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1 Vacancy
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Job Description
About Merlin:
Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the worlds leading investors Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviations biggest challenges.
About the Role:
Were building the brains of the airplane. As the Vice President of Autonomy youll lead the team responsible for developing Merlins core autonomy softwarespanning flight control navigation perception decision-making and higher-level mission behaviors. This role sits at the heart of the Merlin Pilot product and is critical to our mission of enabling safe airworthy and intelligent autonomous flight across a diverse fleet of aircraft. You will manage a high-performing software team focused on building and integrating autonomy layers that operate in real time on safety-critical airborne platforms. Youll partner closely with the Systems Engineering Compute Platform and Simulation teams to ensure delivery of robust testable and airworthy software aligned to the broader product roadmap. This is a hands-on leadership roleequal parts technical strategy/innovation people leadership and delivery accountability.
About You:
You are a proven technical leader with deep experience in autonomy softwarewhether from aviation space robotics or high-assurance systems. You know what it takes to build safety-critical autonomy: modular architectures clear interfaces strong simulation support and rigorous development processes. You thrive in fast-paced environments value clean code and crisp interfaces and can coach engineers to balance innovation with engineering discipline. You get excited when your software flies.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the Autonomy Software team developing flight mission and campaign autonomy capabilities for the Merlin Pilot.
- Define and evolve software architecture in partnership with the Chief Product Officer CTO Chief Architect and Systems Engineering team.
- Ensure on-time delivery of modular testable and airworthy autonomy software that meets system-level performance and safety requirements.
- Oversee software development integration and test across all layers of autonomyperception planning guidance/navigation/control (GNC) decision-making and behavior modeling.
- Drive use of modern software practices including modern version control and release techniques automated builds simulation-in-the-loop testing and traceable requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Simulation Compute Integration and Systems teams to enable effective development and validation workflows.
- Foster a strong technical culture focused on clarity ownership safety and continuous improvement.
- Mentor and grow engineers and technical leads within the team.
- Partner with the VP of Merlin Pilot Engineering to align staffing schedule and priorities to the product roadmap.
- Support regulatory and customer engagements including technical documentation and test plans for certification/accreditation where required.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS in Computer Science Robotics Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
- 10 years of experience in autonomy software development with 5 years in engineering leadership roles.
- Deep expertise in one or more autonomy domains: GNC path planning multi-agent coordination behavior trees/state machines etc.
- Strong track record delivering real-world autonomy systems in aviation defense robotics or space.
- Familiarity with safety-critical software development and relevant standards (DO-178C MISRA etc.).
- Experience managing complex software teams including agile workflows and large codebases.
- Skilled in C C Python and real-time systems development.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
Nice to Haves:
- Pilot experience
- Experience developing autonomy software for airworthy aircraft (Part 23/25 or military equivalents).
- Familiarity with AI/ML integration and assurance for autonomy systems.
- Experience with simulation frameworks (e.g. Gazebo FlightGear custom SIL/HIL setups).
- Understanding of embedded systems partitioned OS environments (ARINC 653) and software abstraction layers.
This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston MA. We offer flexible hybrid in office schedules.
We understand that relocating for a new role is a significant decision and were here to support you every step of the way. Thats why we offer comprehensive relocation assistance to help make your transition as seamless as possible. From covering moving expenses to providing guidance on finding housing we aim to ensure your relocation experience is stress-free.
Additionally once youre here youll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day and a selection of beverages including coffee tea and other drinks to keep you refreshed.
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
Merlin Labs offers an innovative entrepreneurial and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health dental life unlimited vacation 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 sex gender gender expression sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability
status. 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.
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
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
Required Experience:
Chief
Employment Type
Full-Time
Key Skills
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