Manager, Aircraft Avionics Systems

Merlinlabs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered lunches

Snacks and beverages

Top-notch benefits package

Unlimited vacation

401k with match

Work/life integration

Job summary

Merlin Labs in Boston, MA is seeking an experienced Avionics Systems Management leader to guide and grow a high-performing aircraft engineering team. You will own the design, integration, and certification of critical avionics, flight control, and navigation systems, coordinating with internal and external partners to meet schedules and safety standards.

You will work closely with certification authorities (FAA/CAANZ) and vendors, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure rigorous documentation

Qualifications

• BS in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering or related field with 10+ years of progressive experience.
• Hands-on experience with avionics systems, electrical systems, and systems integration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing aircraft engineering team focused on avionics systems.
• Lead, coordinate, and guide Merlin aircraft modifications.
• Oversee design/integration of flight management, navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
• Collaborate with internal/external teams to manage requirements, schedules, and QA for Merlin products.
• Review/approve engineering data, orders, and documentation for maintenance and field use.
• Create/manage project schedules, budgets, and resources to meet milestones.
• Prepare/release electrical design and fabrication drawings, test plans, and installation documents.
• Work with FAA/CAANZ to ensure airworthiness safety standards.
• Coordinate with vendors to manage requirements and QA for outsourced components.
• Set high standards for design reviews, documentation, and risk reduction.
• Coordinate aircraft surveys and provide on-site technical assistance.
• Provide guidance to maintenance on new modifications/testing.
• This role may require up to 50% travel domestically and internationally.

Skills

Team leadership

Aerospace systems

Project management

System integration

Electrical design

Communication skills

Education

BS in Electronics / Electrical / Aerospace Engineering

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:

Are you a creative and experienced engineering professional who is passionate about developing systems at the forefront of technology? Do you believe you can build better aircraft systems using agile and robust development methods? Would you like to own a significant percentage of key aspects for a new product? If so, you might be a good fit for the team in an Avionics Systems Management role here at Merlin Labs.

Responsibilities:

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high‑performing aircraft engineering team with focus on avionics systems.
• Lead, coordinate, and guide Merlin aircraft modifications.
• Oversee the design and integration of critical systems, including flight management, navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal Merlin and external integration teams to develop and manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for Merlin’s products.
• Review and approve releasing engineering design data, engineering orders and other related documentation for maintenance and field use.
• Create and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure program milestones are met on time and within cost.
• Prepare and release electrical design and fabrication drawings, test plans and reports, and associated aircraft installation and certification documents.
• Work closely with certification authorities (e.g., FAA, CAANZ) to ensure systems meet safety and reliability standards required for airworthiness.
• Partner with external vendors to manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for outsourced components.
• Set and uphold high standards for design reviews, documentation, and risk reduction strategies.
• Manage and coordinate aircraft surveys and provide on‑site technical assistance for engineering teams and design evaluations.
• Provide guidance and instruction to the maintenance team on new modifications and testing.
• This position may require up to 50% travel, sometimes with short notice, to both domestic and international locations to support aircraft and system integration.

Qualifications:

• BS in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of progressive experience with at least 2-4 years in a leadership or management role.
• Hands‑on experience with aircraft avionics systems, electrical systems, and systems integration.
• Working knowledge of integrating various components onto aircraft in accordance with FAA guidance and regulations.
• Outstanding organization, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Specific experience with aircraft avionics, communications, and power distribution and management systems.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the qualification and regulatory requirements for commercial and military aircraft.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Location:

This position is based on‑site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Benefits and Perks:

Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on‑site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed. 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.

Equal‑Opportunity and Staffing:

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.

Visa and Legal:

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].