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- Tasks: Lead aircraft integration for the Merlin Pilot across various platforms and ensure airworthiness.
- Company: Join a pioneering company revolutionising aviation with non-human pilots.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on groundbreaking technology.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the future of aviation and autonomy.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in aircraft systems with leadership experience in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on innovation and safety.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
About You: Merlin is building the world’s most capable non-human pilot. As VP of Air Vehicle Integration & Hardware Development, you’ll lead the team responsible for adapting and integrating the Merlin Pilot autonomy system across a fleet of aircraft—from Part 23 and Part 25 airframes to Group 2 UAS. You’ll define how autonomy meets airworthiness: taking ownership of aircraft adaptation, avionics and wiring, mechanical integration, environmental qualification, and configuration management that enables safe, certifiable, and repeatable flight. You’ll work closely with Systems Engineering, Autonomy Software, Compute Platform Integration & Test, Flight Test, and Certification to deliver aircraft that are ready for autonomy at scale.
Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of aircraft integration and adaptation for the Merlin Pilot across multiple platforms.
- Define and deliver integration plans covering avionics architecture, wiring, structural installation, power and cooling, EMI/EMC, and ICDs.
- Oversee mechanical and electrical design, environmental qualification (DO-160), and airworthiness compliance (ARP4754A, ARP4761).
- Develop and operate systems-integration labs, SILs, HILs, and flight-test instrumentation—ensuring high fidelity and uptime.
- Manage suppliers for harnesses, LRUs, racks, and test services; own quality, delivery, and cost.
- Establish configuration management discipline, engineering release, and traceability from requirements through test.
- Build, lead, and mentor a multi-disciplinary hardware organization focused on safety, learning, and execution velocity.
- Partner with leadership to hit ground, taxi, and flight-test milestones that move autonomy from lab to sky.
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers and target airframe OEMs to enable on‑time delivery of Merlin autonomy capabilities to end users.
Qualification:
- 12+ years in aircraft systems or integration leadership, with 5+ years managing multi-disciplinary hardware teams delivering to flight.
- Proven record delivering certified or certifiable aircraft integrations under Part 23, 25, or equivalent military programs.
- Deep technical expertise in avionics architecture, wiring design, grounding/bonding, EMI/EMC, and power distribution.
- Hands‑on experience planning and executing DO-160 environmental testing.
- Strong background in configuration management, supplier oversight, and flight‑test readiness.
- Excellent communicator who drives alignment across hardware, software, certification, and program functions.
- Ideal candidate would have or have held appropriate FAA DER delegations.
Nice to Have:
- DO-254 experience in custom electronics or avionics packaging.
- Integration of advanced sensors (radar, EO/IR, RF links).
- Familiarity with autonomy payloads or ASTM F3269.
- Active or prior U.S. security clearance.
Vice President, Air Vehicle Integration in Boston employer: Merlin Labs
Contact Detail:
Merlin Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President, Air Vehicle Integration in Boston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the aviation and autonomy sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with aircraft systems and integration. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or delivered successful projects. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. For a role like VP of Air Vehicle Integration, understanding how your skills align with their goals in autonomy and safety is crucial. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Merlin. Let’s get you flying high with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President, Air Vehicle Integration in Boston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP of Air Vehicle Integration role. Highlight your experience in aircraft systems and integration leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or projects that align with our mission at Merlin.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: We want to see your deep technical knowledge in avionics architecture and environmental testing. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary hardware teams and delivered certified aircraft integrations.
Communicate Clearly: As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to drive alignment across various functions. Make sure your application reflects this by being clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and ensure your passion for autonomy and safety shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get a feel for our culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Labs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around avionics architecture and environmental testing. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with aircraft integration and how you've tackled challenges in those areas.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a VP, they'll want to see your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've built and mentored multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to drive alignment across different functions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Merlin's mission to create capable non-human pilots. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to the integration of autonomy in their aircraft.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready about their current projects, challenges they face in airworthiness compliance, or their approach to supplier management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
