Responsibilities:- Own and lead a portfolio of programs, spanning autonomy, integration, flight test, certification, and operational fielding.
- Drive program strategy and execution across multiple internal and external teams-including engineering, product, test, supply chain, and business development.
- Serve as the senior point of contact for customer engagements, program reviews, and critical milestones. Build trust and deliver with high accountability.
- Translate operator feedback and requirements into clear, actionable deliverables for engineering and test teams.
- Develop and manage integrated master schedules, financial plans, and program baselines across multiple workstreams.
- Identify and mitigate cross-program risks, resource constraints, and bottlenecks before they impact delivery.
- Build and institutionalize execution processes and artifacts that scale as our portfolio grows (e.g., WBS frameworks, program rhythms, status reporting).
- Provide mentorship and leadership across the broader program management organization.
Qualifications:- 8 + years of experience in program or project leadership roles, ideally with aviation or automotive autonomy experience.
- Proven success leading complex programs involving cross-functional teams and technical integration with focus on software development and deliveries.
- Ability to manage a portfolio of programs with resource and time constraints and understand the broader product strategy
- Exceptional listening, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build alignment between customers and internal teams.
- Ability to context switch between strategy, execution, and team dynamics across multiple efforts.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
Nice to Have:- Experience scaling program teams or building new operating models in high-growth environments.
- Prior experience in autonomy, mission systems, or flight control integration.
- Active 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.
