Director, Strategy

Merlin Labs, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Unlimited vacation

401k with match

Job summary

Merlin Labs, Inc. in Washington DC is seeking a strategic operator with 7-10+ years in strategy and operations within the aerospace or defense sectors. The role encompasses leading initiatives that align technical and business objectives while navigating complex regulatory environments.

This position offers a competitive benefits package, including unlimited vacation and work/life integration opportunities, and thrives in an innovative startup culture.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, or program leadership.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels.
• Experience working with government customers or complex regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to define and evolve corporate strategy.
• Translate long-term vision into strategic priorities and execution plans.
• Identify and evaluate new markets and customer segments.
• Develop go-to-market strategies in regulated environments.
• Lead high-priority strategic initiatives from concept through implementation.

Skills

Strategic operations

Analytical skills

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Job description

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 world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.

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 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

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: [e-mail]

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.