Director, Strategy

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, life insurance

Unlimited vacation

401k with match

Job summary

Merlin Labs is seeking a Director of Strategy to define and execute regulatory-ready growth strategies for autonomous aircraft. This role requires a strategic operator to work with executive leadership and drive high-priority initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategy within complex, regulated environments and the ability to influence diverse teams. Merlin Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive startup environment focused on professional development.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, or program leadership.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated industries.
• Proven ability to operate strategically and at execution levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve business and corporate strategy.
• Translate long-term vision into strategic priorities and execution plans.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through implementation.

Skills

Strategic and execution leadership

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Director, Strategy

Define and execute Merlin's regulatory-ready growth strategy for autonomous aircraft

About The Role

Strategic Operator Opportunity At Merlin Labs

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.

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

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.

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.