Director, Strategy

Merlin Labs

. Partner with executive leadership to define and evolve Merlin’s business and corporate strategy .

Posted 5/18/2026full-timeWashington DC • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with executive leadership to define and evolve Merlin’s business and corporate strategy
Translate long-term vision into clear strategic priorities, roadmaps, and execution plans
Identify and evaluate new markets, mission sets, and customer segments across commercial and government domains
Develop go-to-market and growth strategies in regulated and government-contracted environments
Lead high-priority, cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept through implementation
Collaborate with Engineering, Programs, and Business Development to ensure alignment between technical development and business objectives
Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and defense procurement processes
Build data-driven analyses, business cases, and executive-level materials to support decision-making and Board discussions
Assess competitive landscape, partnerships, and ecosystem dynamics to inform strategic positioning
Act as a force multiplier for leadership by increasing decision velocity and organizational alignment

Requirements

What you’ll need

7-10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, or program leadership
Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other highly regulated industries
Proven ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels
Experience working with or alongside government customers or complex regulatory environments
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at both executive and technical levels

Benefits

Comp & perks

health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Soft Skills

analytical skillsstructured problem-solving skillscommunication skillsinfluenceleadershipcross-functional collaborationdecision-makingorganizational alignment