Technical Program Manager at Merlin Labs

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, AviationIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
5+ years of experience managing complex technical programs—ideally within aerospace, defense, or autonomy
Demonstrated success delivering integrated hardware-software systems under high accountability
Technical fluency—you can engage deeply with engineers and recognize risks and tradeoffs
Expert-level project management skills—tools, methods, and the ability to bring order to chaos
Strong communicator—able to engage diverse technical and non-technical audiences
Proven ability to work within dynamic environments and adapt to evolving priorities
Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance

Responsibilities

Own delivery of complex, cross-functional aerospace and defense programs—spanning autonomy development, flight test, integration, and certification
Drive technical execution rhythms across engineering, systems integration, certification, flight test, and business stakeholders
Serve as the central point of coordination for internal teams, subcontractors, and government customers—ensuring alignment, transparency, and trust
Define and maintain detailed program plans, including scope, milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies
Identify blockers early and drive resolution through structured problem-solving and escalation
Shape and manage program scopes and deliverables in alignment with contractual, technical, and business objectives
Support capture and proposal efforts by developing cost estimates, technical inputs, and schedules
Lead stakeholder communications—from internal reviews to formal customer engagements and milestone briefings
Build scalable processes and tools that improve execution velocity and visibility across projects
Travel up to 25% to support key integration events, flight test campaigns, and customer engagements

Skills

Technical Program Management

Autonomy Development

Flight Testing

Systems Integration

Certification

Cross-functional Coordination

Aerospace Programs

Defense Programs

Stakeholder Management

R&D Execution

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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