Autonomy Software Engineer at Merlin Labs

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, AviationIndustries

Requirements

Degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related subject
4+ years of professional experience developing software for physical systems such as aircraft, robotics, or medical devices
Experience in at least one of these fields: perception, reasoning, decision making, planning, and control
Familiar with the following areas relating to the autonomy software stack: Perception (detection, processing, and tracking using cameras, radar, and/or LIDAR); Reasoning and decision making (state machines, behavior trees, hierarchical task networks, petri nets); Scheduling and motion planning (global and local spatio-temporal planners, preferably in the air domain); Human-machine interaction (use of algorithms and autonomy to reduce crew mental and physical workload); System reliability (monitoring of subsystems and identifying contingencies); State estimation and control; Robotics middleware software such as ROS/2
Ability to interpret, develop, and integrate abstract code to facilitate efficiency, modularity, and reusability
Experience with Linux and open-source development tools
Proficiency in modern software development workflows and practices, including version control, pipelines, unit testing, and peer review
Experience with overall product development cycle, including design

Responsibilities

Technical lead in autonomy, robotics, and machine learning software for the Advanced Capabilities Team
Design, build, and integrate onboard and off-board airborne autonomy capabilities to: Reduce pilot workload and assist pilots with nominal and emergency flight procedures; Enable cargo aircraft to safely fly without a human pilot onboard; Support automated mission planning; Enable real-time contingency planning and safe execution of contingency procedures and maneuvers
Work closely with the R&D software engineering manager to understand team objectives, short term milestones, long term milestones, and technology roadmap
Contribute to concept of operations (CONOPs) design and requirements derivation for autonomy software systems
Lead architecture design and perform architecture and technology trade-off analysis, accounting for short term objectives and long term goals in decision making
Collaborate closely with the rest of the R&D software team throughout the research, design, implement, and test cycle
Drive, provide input on, and approve key decisions relating to system architecture and design, software implementation details, algorithm selection, tool/library usage, and more
Write, test, document and review code according to Merlin’s development standards as needed
Review design inputs and code written by the rest of the R&D software team
Act as a mentor for the team
Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

roboticsautonomymachine learningembedded systemsautonomous vehiclesaerospacemission planningcontingency planningarchitecture designCONOPs

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Autonomy Software Engineer role?

Candidates need a degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related subject, plus 4+ years of professional experience developing software for physical systems such as aircraft, robotics, or medical devices, and experience in at least one of perception, reasoning, decision making, planning.

What are the main responsibilities of this position?

Responsibilities include serving as technical lead in autonomy, robotics, and machine learning software, designing and integrating airborne autonomy capabilities, leading architecture design, collaborating with the R&D team, mentoring engineers, and contributing to CONOPs and requirements.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of candidate is Merlin looking for in this role?

Merlin seeks candidates with hands-on experience in robotics and autonomy, preferably aerospace, generalist software stack knowledge from embedded systems to algorithms, deep specialist knowledge, focus on design and technical leadership, comfort working with senior/junior engineers, and ability to drive team technical direction.

Merlin Labs

Develops autonomous flight technology for aircraft

About Merlin Labs

Merlin Labs develops autonomous flight technology, specifically the Merlin Pilot, an advanced system designed to operate aircraft without human intervention. This system can be integrated into various types of aircraft, making it adaptable to different sizes and ages. The technology is being developed in collaboration with aviation authorities like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand to ensure it meets safety and regulatory standards. Unlike competitors, Merlin Labs takes a phased approach by initially pairing the autonomous system with human pilots, which helps ensure safety and build trust in the technology. The goal is to provide a scalable solution for commercial airlines, cargo transport companies, and private aircraft owners, positioning Merlin Labs as a significant player in the future of aviation.

Boston, MassachusettsHeadquarters

2019Year Founded

$166.1MTotal Funding

GRANTCompany Stage

Automotive & Transportation, AerospaceIndustries

51-200Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Work Hours

Relocation Assistance

Risks

Competition from companies like Natilus challenges Merlin Labs' market position.

Regulatory approvals from FAA and CAA may delay market entry for Merlin Pilot.

Expansion of executive team could lead to internal management challenges.

Differentiation

Merlin Labs focuses on scalable autonomous flight systems adaptable to any aircraft.

The company partners with aviation authorities for safety and regulatory compliance.

Merlin Labs employs a phased approach, initially pairing autonomous systems with human pilots.

Upsides

Merlin Labs' acquisition of EpiSci enhances AI capabilities for military and defense markets.

Partnership with MIT Lincoln Laboratory boosts leadership in collision avoidance technology.

Certification System Bench accelerates testing, reducing time to market for flight systems.

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