Director, Strategy

Merlin Labs


Job Location:

Washington DC, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed
Posted on: 23 days ago
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 You:

You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation autonomy and complex regulated environments. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity connecting technical innovation to market opportunity and driving initiatives from concept through execution. You bring a structured approach to problem solving strong business judgment and the ability to influence across engineering program and commercial teams. You are equally comfortable in executive-level discussions and rolling up your sleeves to move critical initiatives forward.

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with executive leadership to define and evolve Merlinsbusiness and corporatestrategy

  • Translate long-term vision intoclear strategic priorities roadmaps and execution plans

  • Identify and evaluatenew markets mission sets and customer segmentsacross commercial and government domains

  • Developgo-to-market and growth strategiesin regulated and government-contracted environments

  • Lead high-prioritycross-functional strategic initiativesfrom concept through implementation

  • Collaborate with Engineering Programs and Business Development to ensure alignment betweentechnical development and business objectives

  • Support strategy related toFAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes

  • Build data-driven analyses business cases and executive-level materials to supportdecision-making and Board discussions

  • Assess competitive landscape partnerships and ecosystem dynamics to inform strategic positioning

  • Act as a force multiplier for leadership by increasingdecision velocity and organizational alignment

Requirements:

  • 7-10 years of experience instrategy operations or program leadership

  • Experience inaerospace defense autonomy robotics or other highly regulated industries

  • Proven ability to operate at bothstrategic and execution levels

  • Experience working with or alongsidegovernment customers or complex regulatory environments

  • Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills

  • Demonstrated success leadingcross-functional initiatives with measurable impact

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability toinfluence atboth executive and technical levels

Nice to Haves:

  • Experience inautonomous systems aviation or AI-driven platforms

  • Familiarity withFAA certification DoD procurement or mission-based program development

  • Background inmanagement consulting corporate strategy or high-growth startups

  • Experience scaling strategy in aventure-backed or rapidly growing company

  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and build structure in evolving environments

  • Operator mindset with a track record of driving strategy through execution

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 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: emailprotected

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Required Experience:

Director

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 challe...

About Company

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Merlin is the aviation technology company propelling the future of fully autonomous flight.

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