Mission Autonomy- Decision Making and Behaviors Lead at Merlin Labs

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Merlin Labs Logo
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

Autonomous Systems
Decision Making
Behavior Execution
Motion Planning
Mission Autonomy
Mission Management
Software Development
Architecture Design
Simulation
Flight Testing
Airborne Systems

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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