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Merlin Industries Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$220K - $290K/yr

About Merlin: Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a ... Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries

About Merlin: Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a ... Experience inaerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries * Proven ...

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$220K - $290K/yr

About Merlin: Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a ... Experience inaerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries * Proven ...

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Merlin is a venture‑backed aerospace startup building a non‑human pilot to enable both reduced ... Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries * Proven ...

Merlin Industries information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$16

$22

How much do merlin industries jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for merlin industries in Reston, VA is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Merlin Industries?

Merlin Industries is a company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of swimming pool products, including pool safety covers, liners, and other accessories. Founded in 1988, they serve both residential and commercial clients, providing custom solutions for pool safety and maintenance. Their products are known for their durability and quality, and the company often works with pool builders and retailers across the United States.

What is a Merlin Industries job?

A Merlin Industries job typically involves working in manufacturing, production, or related fields depending on the company's focus. Employees may handle tasks such as product assembly, quality control, logistics, or administrative support. Job roles vary based on experience and qualifications, offering opportunities for both entry-level and skilled professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at Merlin Industries?

To thrive at Merlin Industries, you generally need relevant industry knowledge, technical expertise in manufacturing or product development, and a background in engineering or business, depending on the position. Familiarity with manufacturing software, CAD systems, and quality control certifications like Six Sigma is often advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers. These competencies ensure efficient operations, innovation, and sustained growth in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at Merlin Industries and how can they be addressed?

At Merlin Industries, employees often work in fast-paced manufacturing or industrial environments where meeting production deadlines and maintaining quality standards can be challenging. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as many tasks require close collaboration with colleagues from different departments. To address these challenges, it's important to proactively seek clarification when needed, participate in ongoing training, and remain adaptable to changes in production schedules or processes. Supportive management and well-structured onboarding programs also help new hires transition smoothly and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between Merlin Industries vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectMerlin IndustriesMechanical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical certificationsHigh school diploma, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial settingsManufacturing facilities, maintenance environments
Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial sectorsManufacturing, maintenance, repair

Merlin Industries and Mechanical Technicians share similar credentials and work environments, often operating within manufacturing settings. However, Merlin Industries refers to a specific company or brand, while Mechanical Technicians are a job role found across various companies. The key difference lies in Merlin Industries being a company name, whereas Mechanical Technician describes a profession involved in maintaining and repairing machinery.

What are popular job titles related to Merlin Industries jobs in Reston, VA?

For Merlin Industries jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Merlin Industries jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Merlin Industries jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Merlin Industries jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Merlin Industries job openings:

Infographic showing various Merlin Industries job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,440 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Director, Strategy

Merlin Labs

Washington, DC • On-site

$220K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

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’s business and corporate strategy 

  • Translate long-term vision into clear strategic priorities, roadmaps, and execution plans 

  • Identify and evaluate new markets, mission sets, and customer segments across commercial and government domains 

  • Develop go-to-market and growth strategies in regulated and government-contracted environments 

  • Lead high-priority, cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through implementation 

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Programs, and Business Development to ensure alignment between technical development and business objectives 

  • Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes 

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

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

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

Requirements:
  • 7-10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, or program leadership 

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries 

  • Proven ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels 

  • Experience working with or alongside government customers or complex regulatory environments 

  • Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills 

  • Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact 

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at both executive and technical levels 

Nice to Haves:
  • Experience in autonomous systems, aviation, or AI-driven platforms 
  • Familiarity with FAA certification, DoD procurement, or mission-based program development 
  • Background in management consulting, corporate strategy, or high-growth startups 
  • Experience scaling strategy in a venture-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 

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: people@merlinlabs.com
 
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.