Manager, National Security Policy

You are a policy and regulatory strategist with a strong interest in aviation autonomy and emerging technologies. You understand how policy regulation and government stakeholders shape the adoption of new technologiesand you know how to navigate and influence that landscape effectively.

You are comfortable operating at the intersection of government industry and technical teams. You can translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear business implications and help shape strategies that enable safe scalable deployment.

You are proactive highly collaborative and able to operate both strategically andtacticallydrivingpolicy initiatives forward while supporting broader company objectives.

• Support the development and execution of Merlinspublic policy and regulatory strategy in alignment with corporate and product strategy

• Monitor analyze and interpretpolicy and regulatory developmentsrelevant to autonomous aviation AI and safety-critical systems

• Engage withgovernment stakeholders regulators and industry groupsto support favorable policy outcomes

• Partner with internal teams (Engineering Programs Business Development) to ensure alignment betweentechnical development and regulatory requirements

• Help shape Merlins positioning on key topics includingautonomy certification safety and airspace integration

• Develop clear concise materials to communicate policy positions tointernal leadership external stakeholders and industry forums

• Support strategy related toFAA certification pathways and government program alignment

• Contribute tocross-functional strategic initiativeswhere policy and regulation are critical enablers

• Track and assess risks and opportunities in the evolving regulatory environment and provideactionable insights to leadership

• 610 years of experience inpublic policy government affairs regulatory strategy or related roles

• Experience inaviation aerospace defense technology policy or other regulated industries

• Familiarity withU.S. regulatory frameworks particularly in aviation safety or emerging technologies

• Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them intobusiness-relevant insights

• Experience engaging withgovernment agencies regulators or industry associations

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including experience developingpolicy briefs and executive materials

• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across technical and business teams

• Experience withFAA DoD or other aviation and defense-related agencies

• Familiarity withautonomous systems AI policy or advanced air mobility

• Background inlegislative regulatory or industry advocacy roles

• Experience working in or withhigh-growth or venture-backed companies

• Understanding ofcertification processes and safety frameworksin aviation

• Strong network withinrelevant policy and regulatory communities