R&D Software Engineering Manager

About Us :

The full job description covers all associated skills, previous experience, and any qualifications that applicants are expected to have.

Merlin is an early-stage autonomy company, building software to control sophisticated transportation systems. Our mission here at Merlin Labs is to develop hardware and software solutions that deliver the capability for aircraft to fly useful missions autonomously and safely.

Our first product will be a certified system to bring automation to existing fixed wing aircraft.

We’re backed by some of the top institutional venture capitalists in the country, our headquarters are located in Boston with hubs in Denver, Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert.

Come join our diverse, world class team, made up of people from places like Google, Airbus, Boeing, UTC, the US Navy, and the US Air Force.

About You :

You are a seasoned leader looking to work on an exciting aviation autonomy product who excels in fostering a positive work environment and delivering technical solutions.

Your primary focus is supporting and mentoring your team, helping each member to excel and grow. Your leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, ensuring all voices are heard while maintaining the balance between accommodating requests and meeting project deadlines.

You have strong opinions about how to build better aircraft systems using modern software development methods, and you enjoy guiding collaborative teams of talented engineers.

Technically, you have hands-on experience in robotics and autonomy, preferably with experience in aerospace, and have developed technology for autonomous uncrewed vehicles.

You know how to lead a team and focus primarily on the people, driving development of brand new flight capabilities by enabling the team to function as smoothly as possible.

Responsibilities :

• Drive the progress of Merlin’s rapid development autonomy system, with primary responsibility for the talented and diverse team designing, implementing, and testing the core experimental R&D software.
• Promote a culture of open communication and continuous improvement that encourages innovation and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Manage the complete software development lifecycle, from planning and design through implementation to testing and maintenance.
• Drive the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of team members, fostering a team that is technically proficient and highly motivated.
• Work with all team members regularly to ensure they have a reasonable workload and get the support they need.
• Work with Merlin’s world-class subject matter experts in autonomy, flight controls, avionics, and experimental flight test to develop and fly new capabilities.

Qualifications :

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related subject.
• 5+ years of experience developing software for aircraft systems.
• Deep knowledge of relevant software engineering topics, including C++, Python, Linux, git, and open-source development tools.
• 3+ years leading software teams with a mix of senior and junior engineers to successful release and delivery of software.
• Experience designing, implementing, and testing software for greenfield projects.

Nice to Haves :

• Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar robotics middleware and message passing frameworks.
• Experience with flight testing of aircraft of any type, including experimental and UAV.
• Experience with certification processes such as DO-178
• Knowledge of fixed wing aircraft flight controls and dynamics.
• Experience with aviation (ground school, flight school, pilot licenses a big plus).

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.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background, export control and reference checks.

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

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