Senior Systems Engineer, Flight Autonomy

Merlin Labs
Merlin Labs

Software Engineering

Boston, MA, USA

Posted on Jul 8, 2026
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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.

Who you are:

You are an experienced systems engineer with experience in the development of system/sub-system architecture, system/sub-system requirements, and testing of systems to comply with its requirements. You have experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams of varying engineering domains, customers, suppliers, and partners. You have experience in the definition of Autonomous behaviors and functions of AI enabled control systems. You have a passion for new development and have a proven record of navigating the challenges in new product development. You’ve worked in an experimental R&D of safety critical systems/sub-systems and have the ability to keep safety at the forefront while still moving quickly.

Responsibilities:

    • Participate in the development of systems engineering development plans and processes as needed for technical execution.

    • Managing systems engineering tasking and aligning disciplines to support their successful and timely completion

    • Development of descriptions of Features and Functions to be executed by the Sub-System

    • Development of Sub-System Level Requirements

    • Development of Sub-System Level Test Methods and Testing Strategies

    • Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams

    • Support/Execution of verification and validation activities.

    • Reviews of System Engineering artifacts such as requirements, with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities as required.

    • Review of concepts of operation, system architecture (including functional and physical architectures), system requirements, and system interfaces for Merlin products. On this small, agile team, you will own significant pieces of these activities yourself.

    • Collaborate cross-functionally with the safety, hardware, and software teams to capture, document, and communicate requirements and interfaces.

Qualifications:

    • BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering or a related subject, MS preferred.

    • 6-9 years of experience conducting systems engineering (4-6 years with MS degree; 2-4 years with PhD).

    • Specific experience in Flight Controls System Development with aspects of ML or Autonomy

    • Experience in Flight Control System development

    • Demonstrated ability in solving complex architectural and systems engineering-related problems

    • Experience with requirements management tools and processes

      • Demonstrated ability to develop system-level requirements, architecture, and interfaces, and perform requirements validation and verification

Highly Desired Experience:

    • Experience conducting systems engineering in FAA/EASA/DOD certification programs

    • Hands-on experience in certifying avionics equipment using ARP4754A and RTCA DO-178B/C for safety-critical systems.

    • Specific experience in the area of Automatic Flight Controls, Flight Management, or Display Systems.

    • Specific experience in developing software requirements and performing software verification.

    • Working knowledge of FAA/EASA/DOD regulations and standards is a plus.

    • Working knowledge of Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a plus but not required.

    • Familiarity with Simulink, Cameo, IADS, Jama

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.
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: people@merlinlabs.com
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
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