Senior Systems Engineer, Flight Autonomy

Merlin Labs

Senior Systems Engineer focusing on the development of autonomy for non-human piloting systems in aviation startup. Collaborating across disciplines and managing complex engineering tasks is key.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Participate in the development of systems engineering development plans and processes as needed for technical execution.
Managing systems engineering tasking and aligning disciplines to support their successful and timely completion
Development of descriptions of Features and Functions to be executed by the Sub-System
Development of Sub-System Level Requirements
Development of Sub-System Level Test Methods and Testing Strategies
Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams
Support/Execution of verification and validation activities.
Reviews of System Engineering artifacts such as requirements, with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities as required.
Review of concepts of operation, system architecture (including functional and physical architectures), system requirements, and system interfaces for Merlin products. On this small, agile team, you will own significant pieces of these activities yourself.
Collaborate cross-functionally with the safety, hardware, and software teams to capture, document, and communicate requirements and interfaces.

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Electrical/Aerospace/Systems Engineering or a related subject, MS preferred.
6-9 years of experience conducting systems engineering (4-6 years with MS degree; 2-4 years with PhD).
Specific experience in Flight Controls System Development with aspects of ML or Autonomy
Experience in Flight Control System development
Demonstrated ability in solving complex architectural and systems engineering-related problems
Experience with requirements management tools and processes
Demonstrated ability to develop system-level requirements, architecture, and interfaces, and perform requirements validation and verification

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Systems Engineering Development PlansSub-System Level RequirementsSub-System Level Test MethodsRequirements ValidationRequirements VerificationArchitecture DevelopmentFunctional ArchitecturePhysical ArchitectureComplex Problem SolvingML or Autonomy Experience

Soft Skills

Team CollaborationCommunication