Merlin Labs

Manager, Aircraft Avionics Systems

Merlin Labs$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • 2-4 years of leadership or management role experience in aircraft engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics, electrical systems, and systems integration.
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations for aircraft component integration.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and grow a high-performing aircraft engineering team focused on avionics systems.
  • Lead and coordinate aircraft modifications for the Merlin series.
  • Oversee design and integration of essential systems: flight management, navigation, communication, and flight control.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to establish technical requirements and ensure quality assurance.
  • Review and approve engineering design data and documentation for maintenance.
  • Create and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
  • Work with certification authorities to meet safety standards for airworthiness.

Benefits

  • Catered lunches with a rotating menu, along with an assortment of snacks and beverages.
  • Unlimited vacation policy for work/life integration.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance.
  • 401k plan with company matching contributions.
  • Innovative and entrepreneurial startup environment fostering professional development.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities:

  • Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing aircraft engineering team with focus on avionics systems.
  • Lead, coordinate, and guide Merlin aircraft modifications.
  • Oversee the design and integration of critical systems, including flight management, navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with internal Merlin and external integration teams to develop and manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for Merlin's products.
  • Review and approve releasing engineering design data, engineering orders and other related documentation for maintenance and field use.
  • Create and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure program milestones are met on time and within cost.
  • Prepare and release electrical design and fabrication drawings, test plans and reports, and associated aircraft installation and certification documents.
  • Work closely with certification authorities (e.g., FAA, CAANZ) to ensure systems meet safety and reliability standards required for airworthiness.
  • Partner with external vendors to manage technical requirements, schedules, and quality assurance for outsourced components.
  • Set and uphold high standards for design reviews, documentation, and risk reduction strategies.
  • Manage and coordinate aircraft surveys and provide on-site technical assistance for engineering teams and design evaluations.
  • Provide guidance and instruction to the maintenance team on new modifications and testing.
  • This position may require up to 50% travel, sometimes with short notice, to both domestic and international locations to support aircraft and system integration.


Qualifications:

  • BS in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of progressive experience with at least 2-4 years in a leadership or management role.
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics systems, electrical systems, and systems integration.
  • Working knowledge of integrating various components onto aircraft in accordance with FAA guidance and regulations.
  • Outstanding organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.


Nice to Have:

  • Specific experience with aircraft avionics, communications, and power distribution and management systems.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the qualification and regulatory requirements for commercial and military aircraft.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.


This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Once you're here, you'll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.

Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

About Merlin Labs

Merlin Labs is an aerospace company that develops autonomous flight technology for small aircraft. The company's technology is designed to enable small planes to fly themselves, reducing the need for human pilots and making air travel more efficient and accessible. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Menlo Park, California.
Learn more about Merlin Labs
Size
50 employees
Industry
Founded
2018

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