Director Strategy
Merlin is a Boston-based aerospace and defense technology company developing AI-powered, aircraft-agnostic autonomy software for fixed-wing aircraft.
About Merlin
Merlin’s Merlin Pilot combines hardware and software intended to perform takeoff-to-touchdown flight functions for military and civil aircraft, supporting reduced-crew and autonomous operations. The operating business began as Apollo Flight Research in 2018, became Merlin Labs in 2020, and is now operated under public parent Merlin, Inc.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will define and evolve business and corporate strategy, turn priorities into roadmaps and plans, assess markets and partnerships, and develop growth strategies. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, support certification and procurement strategy, and prepare analyses and materials for executive decisions.
Requirements
- 7–10+ years of strategy, operations, or program leadership experience
- Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or regulated industries
- Experience operating at strategic and execution levels
- Experience with government customers or complex regulatory environments
- Analytical and structured problem-solving skills
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives
- Communication and executive influence skills
Responsibilities
- Define and evolve business and corporate strategy with executive leadership
- Translate long-term vision into strategic priorities, roadmaps, and execution plans
- Evaluate markets, mission sets, and customer segments
- Develop go-to-market and growth strategies
- Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives through implementation
- Align technical development with business objectives
- Support FAA certification and defense procurement strategy
- Build business cases and executive-level decision materials
- Assess competitors, partnerships, and ecosystem dynamics
Benefits
- Equity grants
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Unlimited vacation
- 401k matching
