Vice President, Air Vehicle Integration

Merlin

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 200,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A pioneering aviation technology company in Boston is seeking a VP of Air Vehicle Integration & Hardware Development. This role involves leading the aircraft integration of the Merlin Pilot system, ensuring compliance with safety and airworthiness requirements. The candidate must have over 12 years in aircraft systems, strong leadership skills, and proven expertise in avionics architecture. The position offers a full-time employment structure focused on innovative aviation solutions.

Qualifications

12+ years in aircraft systems with a focus on integration leadership.
Proven record of delivering certified flight integrations.
Hands-on experience with DO-160 environmental testing.

Responsibilities

Lead aircraft integration for Merlin Pilot across multiple platforms.
Define integration plans covering avionics and power systems.
Develop relationships with suppliers for timely deliveries.

Skills

Leadership in aircraft systems

Avionics architecture expertise

Project management

Environmental testing (DO-160)

Communication

Job description

About You

Merlin is building the world’s most capable non-human pilot. As VP of Air Vehicle Integration & Hardware Development, you’ll lead the team responsible for adapting and integrating the Merlin Pilot autonomy system across a fleet of aircraft—from Part 23 and Part 25 airframes to Group 2 UAS. You’ll define how autonomy meets airworthiness: taking ownership of aircraft adaptation, avionics and wiring, mechanical integration, environmental qualification, and configuration management that enables safe, certifiable, and repeatable flight. You’ll work closely with Systems Engineering, Autonomy Software, Compute Platform Integration & Test, Flight Test, and Certification to deliver aircraft that are ready for autonomy at scale.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of aircraft integration and adaptation for the Merlin Pilot across multiple platforms
Define and deliver integration plans covering avionics architecture, wiring, structural installation, power and cooling, EMI/EMC, and ICDs
Oversee mechanical and electrical design, environmental qualification (DO-160), and airworthiness compliance (ARP4754A, ARP4761)
Develop and operate systems‑in‑integration labs, SILs, HILs, and flight‑test instrumentation—ensuring high fidelity and uptime
Manage suppliers for harnesses, LRUs, racks, and test services; own quality, delivery, and cost
Establish configuration management discipline, engineering release, and traceability from requirements through test
Build, lead, and mentor a multi‑disciplinary hardware organization focused on safety, learning, and execution velocity
Partner with leadership to hit ground, taxi, and flight‑test milestones that move autonomy from lab to sky
Develop strong relationships with suppliers and target airframe OEMs to enable on‑time delivery of Merlin autonomy capabilities to end users

Qualifications

12+ years in aircraft systems or integration leadership, with 5+ years managing multi‑disciplinary hardware teams delivering to flight
Proven record delivering certified or certifiable aircraft integrations under Part 23, 25, or equivalent military programs
Deep technical expertise in avionics architecture, wiring design, grounding/bonding, EMI/EMC, and power distribution
Hands‑on experience planning and executing DO-160 environmental testing
Strong background in configuration management, supplier oversight, and flight‑test readiness
Excellent communicator who drives alignment across hardware, software, certification, and program functions
Ideal candidate would have or have held appropriate FAA DER delegations

Nice to Have