Mission Autonomy- Decision Making and Behaviors Lead 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
Years of professional experience developing software for airborne autonomous systems
Subject matter expert in one or more of the following: Mission management frameworks such as behavior trees, hierarchical task networks, state machines, petri nets; Single- and multi-vehicle autonomy, resource allocation, and decision making algorithms; Airborne contingency and emergency management; Machine learning for complex decision making and behavior generation
Years of experience providing tech leadership to a team of at least 4 engineers at different levels
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, testing, and troubleshooting at the system level as well as at the software component level
Proficiency writing both Python and C++
Familiarity with simulation software, especially aircraft simulation
Experience with proposal writing and technical roadmap development

Responsibilities

Drive the technical direction and deliver autonomous decision making, behavior execution, and motion planning capabilities for airborne systems
Define the research, experiments, and development projects that support delivering mission autonomy capabilities
Identify gaps and define staffing needs to develop and deliver decision making and behavior capabilities
Ensure the decision making, behaviors, and motion planning technical plans align with short term R&D objectives, long term objectives, and the Merlin technology roadmap
Lead architecture design and perform architecture and technology trade-off analysis, accounting for short term objectives and long term goals in decision making
Step in to a hands-on software development role as needed
Support simulation, integration, and flight test activities to validate real-world performance
Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Autonomous SystemsDecision MakingBehavior ExecutionMotion PlanningMission AutonomyMission ManagementSoftware DevelopmentArchitecture DesignSimulationFlight TestingAirborne Systems

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for this role?

Candidates need years of professional experience developing software for airborne autonomous systems, subject matter expertise in areas like mission management frameworks, single- and multi-vehicle autonomy, airborne contingency management, or machine learning for decision making, and years of tech leadership for a team of at least 4 engineers.

What degree is required for this position?

A degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related subject is required.

Is this a remote position?

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 makes a strong candidate for this lead role?

A strong candidate has a background in autonomous systems, aviation, and robotics, experience deploying autonomy for airborne systems, deep knowledge of mission management and decision making techniques, and the ability to lead technical direction while contributing hands-on when needed.

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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