Full Time Aviation Strategy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Merlin:
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; Quonset Point, 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 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 Merlin'sbusiness and corporate strategy

• 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-priority,cross-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 to influence at both 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

$220,000 - $290,000 a year
The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.
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: [email protected]
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.