Autonomy Systems Lead Engineer - Flight Control & Safety

Merlinlabs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Unlimited vacation

401(k) with match

Job summary

Merlin Labs, a venture-backed aerospace startup, seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to lead a small team focused on system architectures, requirements, and verification for autonomous flight systems.

You will drive development plans, coordinate cross-functional teams across safety, hardware, and software, and ensure compliance with aviation standards. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership and rapid, safe product development.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering or related field; MS preferred.
• 6–9 years of systems engineering experience (4–6 years with MS; 2–4 years with PhD).
• Experience in Flight Control Systems with ML or Autonomy.
• Experience in Flight Control System Development.
• Ability to lead small teams solving complex architecture and systems engineering problems.
• Experience with requirements management tools and processes.
• Ability to develop system-level requirements, architecture, interfaces, and verification.
• Experience with FAA/EASA/DOD certification programs.
• Hands-on experience in certifying avionics under ARP4754A and DO-178B/C.
• Experience in Automatic Flight Controls, Flight Management, or Display Systems.
• Knowledge of FAA/EASA/DOD regs and MBSE a plus.
• Familiarity with Simulink, Cameo, IADS, Jama.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of System Engineers and ensure delivery of system engineering work products.
• Develop and maintain system engineering plans and processes for technical execution.
• Manage system-level verification and validation activities.
• Lead artifact reviews with customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• Review concepts of operation, architecture, requirements, and interfaces; own significant portions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with safety, hardware, and software teams to capture interfaces.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Flight Control Systems

Autonomy/ML

Team Leadership

Requirements Management

DO-178B/C

Regulatory Awareness

MBSE

Education

BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

MBSE

Simulink

Cameo

IADS

Jama

Job description

Merlin Labs, a venture-backed aerospace startup, seeks an experienced Systems Engineer to lead a small team focused on system architectures, requirements, and verification for autonomous flight systems.

You will drive development plans, coordinate cross-functional teams across safety, hardware, and software, and ensure compliance with aviation standards. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership and rapid, safe product development.