Manager, National Security Policy

Merlinlabs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

Merlin Labs in Washington, DC is seeking a senior policy professional to steer public policy and regulatory strategy for autonomous aviation. You will analyze developments, engage regulators, and align policy with product goals while communicating complex positions to leadership and external audiences.

The role requires cross‑functional collaboration across Engineering, Programs, and Business Development, and participation in FAA and DoD related matters.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of public policy, government affairs, regulatory strategy, or related roles.
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, tech policy, or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks in aviation or safety.
• Translate complex policy issues into business insights.
• Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, or industry groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including policy briefs.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of Merlin’s public policy and regulatory strategy, aligned with product strategy.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret policy developments relevant to autonomous aviation, AI, and safety.
• Engage with government stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups to support favorable policy outcomes.
• Partner with Engineering, Programs, and Business Development to align technical development with regulatory requirements.
• Help shape Merlin’s positions on autonomy, certification, safety, and airspace integration.
• Develop clear materials to communicate policy positions to leadership, external stakeholders, and industry forums.
• Support FAA certification pathways and government program alignment.
• Track risks and opportunities in evolving regulatory environment; provide insights to leadership.

Skills

Public policy

Regulatory strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Aviation policy

Written communication

Regulatory affairs

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of Merlin’s public policy and regulatory strategy, in alignment with corporate and product strategy
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret policy and regulatory developments relevant to autonomous aviation, AI, and safety‑critical systems
• Engage with government stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups to support favorable policy outcomes
• Partner with internal teams (Engineering, Programs, Business Development) to ensure alignment between technical development and regulatory requirements
• Help shape Merlin’s positioning on key topics including autonomy, certification, safety, and airspace integration
• Develop clear, concise materials to communicate policy positions to internal leadership, external stakeholders, and industry forums
• Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and government program alignment
• Contribute to cross‑functional strategic initiatives where policy and regulation are critical enablers
• Track and assess risks and opportunities in the evolving regulatory environment and provide actionable insights to leadership

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of experience in public policy, government affairs, regulatory strategy, or related roles
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, technology policy, or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks, particularly in aviation, safety, or emerging technologies
• Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into business‑relevant insights
• Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, or industry associations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing policy briefs and executive materials
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and influence stakeholders across technical and business teams
• Experience with FAA, DoD, or other aviation and defense‑related agencies
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, AI policy, or advanced air mobility
• Background in legislative, regulatory, or industry advocacy roles
• Experience working in or with high‑growth or venture‑backed companies
• Understanding of certification processes and safety frameworks in aviation
• Strong network within relevant policy and regulatory communities

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 401(k) 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.