Remote opportunity at
MerlinDirector, Features System Engineering
Merlin seeks a Director, Features System Engineering to spearhead the strategy, processes, and architecture of its non-human pilot technology for aviation. Operating as a publicly traded…
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About This Role
Merlin seeks a Director, Features System Engineering to spearhead the strategy, processes, and architecture of its non-human pilot technology for aviation. Operating as a publicly traded aerospace and defense enterprise, Merlin designs full-stack autonomy platforms spanning takeoff to touchdown for various aircraft types and missions. This position suits an experienced systems engineering leader who can transition ambiguous concepts into verifiable, certifiable systems while harmonizing hardware, software, safety, and flight controls.…
Job Description
Merlin seeks a Director, Features System Engineering to spearhead the strategy, processes, and architecture of its non-human pilot technology for aviation. Operating as a publicly traded aerospace and defense enterprise, Merlin designs full-stack autonomy platforms spanning takeoff to touchdown for various aircraft types and missions. This position suits an experienced systems engineering leader who can transition ambiguous concepts into verifiable, certifiable systems while harmonizing hardware, software, safety, and flight controls.
The chosen candidate will guide functional and physical architectures, manage requirement traceability, and collaborate closely with executive leadership, program leads, and regulatory bodies. The organization operates out of global flight test facilities and a headquarters in Boston, working to solve pressing aviation challenges like flight safety and pilot shortages through automated flight technology.
Total compensation includes a base salary between USD 220,000 and 290,000 per year, alongside equity grants and comprehensive employee benefits such as health, dental, life, flexible time off, and a 401(k) with matching.
Responsibilities
- Shape and update the feature systems engineering development roadmap, strategy, processes, and standards as the program progresses toward certification.
- Oversee systems engineering assignments across the enterprise, uniting hardware, software, safety, and flight controls teams around a cohesive technical schedule.
- Establish technical direction for operational concepts, system architectures, and interface boundaries, personally managing vital architectural decisions.
- Define sub-system features, functions, and autonomous actions to ensure they trace back to system-level requirements and the safety case.
- Guide the Safety, Security, and Human Factors divisions to keep them central to architectural choices without delaying development velocity.
- Present systems engineering requirements, architectures, and interfaces during evaluations with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.
- Build and mentor the systems engineering workforce by establishing clear expectations and cultivating technical leads during company scaling.
- Collaborate with executive leadership and engineering units to prioritize technical tasks and articulate risks, statuses, and compromises.
- Oversee the creation, validation, and traceability of system and sub-system requirements while upholding rigorous quality standards.
- Direct testing strategies and verification methods spanning simulation, ground trials, and flight tests.
Requirements
- At least 15 years of systems engineering background, or 10+ years with an MS degree, or 8+ years with a PhD
- Minimum of 4 years operating as a manager of system engineering managers
- Specialized background in mission autonomy and vehicle autonomy development, encompassing AI integration in autonomy systems
- Proven capability to establish system-level requirements, architecture, and interfaces while steering teams through verification and validation
- Track record of resolving intricate architectural and systems engineering hurdles on new product development initiatives
- Background in an early-stage R&D setting focused on safety-critical systems or sub-systems
- Familiarity with requirements management tools, processes, and best practices for expanding teams
- Hands-on expertise certifying avionics equipment using ARP4754A, RTCA DO-178B/C, and DO-254 standards
- Experience developing, executing, and monitoring Agile-based system releases via tools like Jira
- Authorization to work in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship currently or in the future
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- Master of Science or PhD degree preferred
- Working familiarity with ARP4761A and MIL-STD-882E
- Experience leading systems engineering for FAA, EASA, or DoD airworthiness programs, including direct engagement with regulatory authorities
- Specific exposure to automatic flight controls, flight management, or display systems
- Background in formulating software requirements and supervising software verification
- Working knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and experience introducing it to a team
- Familiarity with tools such as Simulink, Cameo, IADS, and Jama
- Experience establishing a systems engineering unit at an early-stage or rapidly expanding organization
Core Skills
Benefits
- Base salary range of USD 220,000 to 290,000 per year
- Competitive equity grants included in the total compensation package
- Top-tier health and dental insurance
- Life insurance coverage
- Flexible paid time off
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Work and life integration support
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the salary range for the Director, Features System Engineering role?
The base salary range is between USD 220,000 and 290,000 per year, which may vary based on qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants and a comprehensive benefits package are also provided.
What are the core educational requirements for applicants?
Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related field, with a Master of Science or PhD preferred.
Does the posting specify visa sponsorship availability?
The posting states that the company is unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates requiring visa transfers at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
What certification standards are required for this position?
The role requires hands-on experience certifying avionics equipment using ARP4754A, RTCA DO-178B/C, and DO-254 for safety-critical systems.
Sample Interview Questions
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