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Vice President, Government Relations

Merlin Labs

Job Location:

Washington DC, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 20 May 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 18 October 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

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 senior government relations leader with deep experience navigating the intersection of policy procurement and mission-driven technology. You understand how government stakeholders make decisionsand how to position emerging technologies to align with national priorities and operational needs.

You are equally comfortable building relationships at senior levels across government agencies and working internally with commercial program and technical teams to translate those relationships into tangible outcomes. You operate with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for driving access influence and ultimately revenue.

You are strategic credible and execution-orientedable to open doors shape opportunities and help convert them into funded programs.

Responsibilities:

Develop and lead Merlinsgovernment relations strategy aligned with revenue and growth objectives
Build and maintain senior-level relationships acrossU.S. government agencies including defense aviation and related stakeholders
Partner closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and Business Development teams toidentify shape and advance opportunitieswithin government channels
Support the development and positioning of Merlins capabilities in alignment withgovernment priorities missions and funding pathways
Navigate and influenceprocurement processes including traditional and non-traditional acquisition pathways
Collaborate cross-functionally with Strategy Programs Engineering and Policy to ensurealignment between government engagement and product direction
Provide insights intobudget cycles policy developments and funding opportunitiesthat impact revenue strategy
Represent Merlin in meetings briefings and industry forums to strengthencredibility and visibilitywithin the government ecosystem
Help drivecapture strategy and deal progressionfor key government programs
Develop clear internal reporting and external-facing materials to supportexecutive and Board-level visibility

Qualifications:

12-15 years of experience in government relations defense programs or public sector business development
Deep understanding of U.S. government structure procurement processes and funding mechanisms
Experience engaging with Dod FAA DHS or related agencies
Proven ability to build relationships that lead to programmatic outcomes or revenue generation
Strong understanding of mission-driven technologies ideally in aerospace autonomy or defense
Experience operating in complex regulated environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders internally and externally

Nice to Have:

Experience with autonomous systems aviation or advanced air mobility
Familiarity with non-traditional acquisition pathways
Background in military service government leadership or senior advisory roles
Experience work in or with venture-backed or high-growth technology companies
Strong network across relevant government and defense communities
Ability to operate effectively in fast-scaling ambiguous environments

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:

Exec

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