Policy Manager — Autonomous Aviation & Regulation

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 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.