Staff Engineer, Avionics Integration

What you will do

Own the avionics integration architecture across multiple aircraft platforms — defining how flight computers, sensors, actuators, communications, power, and software subsystems come together as a certifiable, flyable system.
Set integration strategy and technical standards used across the Aircraft Engineering team, including interface control documents, integration test methodology, and design review criteria.
Lead systems-level integration and verification of COTS/MOTS avionics, custom hardware, and software components across lab and aircraft installations, spanning multiple concurrent platforms.
Act as the senior technical authority in design reviews, flight test readiness reviews, and certification discussions, representing avionics integration to internal leadership, customers, and regulators.

What you need

About You

You're a seasoned avionics integration engineer who thinks in systems, not just circuits. You've spent years pulling together sensors, computers, software, and airframes into aircraft that actually fly and get certified — and you're ready to own the technical strategy for how Merlin integrates the Merlin Pilot across an entire fleet of platforms, not just a single program. You're comfortable being the person a room full of engineers looks to when an integration problem doesn't have an obvious owner, and you know how to turn ambiguity into a plan, a schedule, and a working aircraft.

Qualifications

BS in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
8+ years of experience integrating complex systems onto aircraft, with demonstrated ownership of integration architecture across more than one platform or program.
Deep, hands-on experience integrating and debugging systems spanning COTS/MOTS avionics modules, custom hardware, embedded software, sensors, and human-machine interfaces — not limited to any single engineering discipline.
Working knowledge of standard avionics interface protocols (e.g., Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS-232/422/485, CAN, MIL-STD-1553) and the judgment to choose and defend an interface architecture, not just implement one.
Track record of leading integration efforts through design review, lab test, and flight test, including managing cross-discipline dependencies and schedule risk.
Experience authoring or approving system schematics, interface control documents, and subsystem architecture diagrams.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and act as a technical reference point across a team, without necessarily holding a management title.
Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to prioritize across competing program needs.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including comfort presenting to executives, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Nice to have

Direct experience with certified avionics on fixed-wing aircraft, particularly flight management systems (FMS), autopilot, or other flight control system components.
Working knowledge of environmental qualification and regulatory frameworks: RTCA DO-160, DO-178, DO-254, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-810.
Experience standing up integration or systems engineering practices for a new program or platform from scratch.
Familiarity with lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, current probes, data acquisition, bus analyzers) sufficient to guide others, even if not performing hands-on bench work daily.
Exposure to aviation/aerospace wire harness design and electro-mechanical system integration (motors, EMI/EMC), useful for evaluating others' work even if not a primary daily task.
Experience with design tools such as SolidWorks, Altium, or KiCAD.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.

Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, flexible paid time off, 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.

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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

Staff Engineer, Avionics Integration

What you will do

Staff Engineer, Avionics Integration

What you will do

What you need

About You

Qualifications

Nice to have

About Merlin Labs

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