Director of Strategic Finance and Programs at Merlin Labs

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Merlin Labs Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, AviationIndustries

Requirements

  • 15+ years of direct finance experience building and managing budget models in program finance, strategic finance, financial planning & analysis, or accounting roles
  • Experience designing financial metrics and key performance indicators for project management
  • Meticulous attention to detail and keen focus on organization
  • Comfort working across Microsoft and Google Suite applications
  • Presentation skills with ability to adapt tone and technique to various levels of cross-functional management
  • BS in Business Management, Finance, or Accounting; MBA prioritized
  • Familiarity with research & development projects, particularly with the US government
  • Experience establishing financial budgets, monitoring program activities against budgets, and partnering with program leadership
  • Ability to present points with clarity, positivity, optimism, bringing solutions and ideas
  • Proficiency with industry standard tools, passion for automation to reduce manual work
  • Track record of consistent upward mobility

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all financial activities of research and development/manufacturing/licensing contracts through review of system-generated reports, using a self-designed standard of work with heavy reliance on automation
  • Partner with business development leaders to provide quotes for bids and proposals for future customers and projects
  • Establish budgets for new programs, monitor ongoing program costs, true-up final project costs at completion, and present insights on lessons learned for future programs
  • Review and approve routine submissions to the US Government customer, including Incurred Cost Submissions and Provisional Billing Rate submissions
  • Design an efficient organization utilizing technology; hire, train, and manage a team of program finance professionals as company programs grow

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Financial BudgetingProgram MonitoringGovernment ContractsBids and ProposalsFinancial AutomationStrategic FinanceFinancial ReportingR&D Finance

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this role?

The position requires 15+ years of direct finance experience building and managing budget models in program finance, strategic finance, financial planning & analysis, or accounting roles.

What is the salary for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this role remote or does it require office presence?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are needed for this Director role?

Candidates need experience designing financial metrics and KPIs for project management, meticulous attention to detail, strong organization, and comfort with Microsoft and Google Suite applications, plus familiarity with US Government tools like WideAreaWorkFlow (WAWF).

What does career growth look like in this position?

This starts as an individual contributor role but will involve growing your organization by designing an efficient team, hiring, training, and managing program finance professionals as company programs expand.

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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