---
title: 'Senior Development Assurance Engineer at Merlin Labs'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-development-assurance-engineer-merlin-labs-boston-2wzsbvvgp1fs'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Senior Development Assurance Engineer at Merlin Labs

- **Company:** Merlin Labs
- **Location:** Boston, MA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-09-01
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/merlinlabs/dd338904-1610-4340-ac91-e5d730693460

## Job description

About Merlin: Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation.

About You:

You have more than 7 years of experience applying development assurance discipline for complex integrated avionics systems focused on new and novel technologies in Part 25 aircraft type certification or supplemental type certifications. You know that the development assurance process is the driving factor in the success of these programs. You have personally written, audited, and defended development assurance process documentation with certification authorities. You are comfortable teaching a room of engineers why a process exists, and you have executed these processes under tight timelines. You have experience leading a team of systems engineers from early design concepts to define, validate, and verify certifiable requirements. You have led successful resolution of complex, ambiguous problems with minimal oversight, rallied cross-functional teams around tough challenges on tight schedules, and instinctively look for ways to make processes more efficient and repeatable across multiple programs along the way. In addition to development assurance experience, you are well versed in DO-178C, DO-254, and the systems engineering processes.

Merlin Labs builds autonomous flight systems for civil and defense customers, and future certification programs will carry SAE ARP4754B in their certification basis. We are looking for leaders to own building the process foundation ahead of need. In this role, you will improve Merlin's ARP4754B-compliant development assurance processes, partner with Systems Engineering to mature requirements sets from prototype through full production configurations and help define the path toward a common requirements database that scales across software versions and deployments. Working closely with Merlin's entire technology organization, you will also cross-train into DO-178C and DO-254 compliance processes while teaching and mentoring engineering teams.

You will report into the process assurance organization under the VP of Airworthiness & Certification.

Responsibilities: ●Assess existing processes and tools against ARP4754B to identify gaps and drive improvements. ● Own the refinement, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Development Assurance process documentation compliant with SAE ARP4754B, scaled to different levels of rigor across program types. ● Partner closely with Merlin's technology organization to advance the following focus areas: ○ Assist Systems Engineering in developing robust requirements sets spanning prototype through full production configurations. ○ Define the path toward a common requirements database usable across multiple software versions and aircraft deployments. ○ Cross-train in development assurance compliance for DO-178C and DO-254 to extend audit and process support beyond the systems level. ○ Assist in standardizing and strengthening Merlin's problem reporting system. ○ Support general Part 25 certification process development. ○ Support and cross train in military airworthiness process improvements aligned with MIL-HDBK-516 ● Build the Development Assurance plans, audit plans, and process control plans Merlin will need for future certification programs that carry ARP4754B in their certification basis. ● Lead cross-functional teams through complex development assurance solutions on challenging program schedules. ●Integrate development assurance processes into Merlin's institutional knowledge, partnering with engineering teams across Autonomy, Air Vehicle Integration, and Flight Test & Operations. ● Serve as a trainer, teacher, and mentor to engineering teams, building organization-wide fluency in development assurance standards, expectations, and workflows — not just documenting them. ● Conduct independent audits confirming engineering teams are following established Development Assurance processes, ahead of and during programs that require ARP4754B compliance. ● Collaborate with Engineering to keep process specifications current as programs, tools, and regulatory guidance evolve.

Qualifications: ●6-9 years of experience in Development Assurance with a Bachelor's degree, 4-6 years with a Master's degree, or 2-3 years with a PhD, in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related field ● Direct, hands-on experience developing, implementing, or auditing engineering processes under SAE ARP4754A/B and SAE ARP4761/A ● Experience partnering with Systems Engineering to develop and mature requirements sets across prototype through full production configurations ● Strong audit, technical writing, and communication skills, including experience training or mentoring engineers on process and compliance topics ● Experience working with regulatory agencies (FAA or equivalent) on Part 23, 25, or 29 certification projects, including Part 25 Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) experience ● Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex development assurance solutions on challenging schedules ● Demonstrated independence in decision-making, with the judgment to apply the right level of rigor to different projects rather than a single standard to everything

Nice to Haves: ●Development Assurance experience applied to avionics or autonomous flight systems ● Experience with Software Quality Assurance ● Start-to-finish Supplemental or Amended Type Certificate (STC/ATC) experience ● Experience standing up or scaling development assurance processes from scratch at a growing company ● Working familiarity with DO-178C / DO-254, or a demonstrated ability to cross-train into software/hardware development assurance compliance alongside systems-level ARP4754B work ● Experience with common requirements management tools (e.g., Jama, DOORS) across multiple software baselines or product configurations

## About Merlin Labs

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Merlin Labs is a U.S.-based developer of takeoff-to-touchdown autonomy software for military and civil aircraft, building the operating system of record for autonomous flight.
- **Entity Type**: Public (Nasdaq: MRLN) – went public via SPAC merger with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp IV in 2026.
- **Headquarters**: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Matthew George (CEO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace & Defense, Autonomous Aviation, AI Software
- **Target customers**: Military (U.S. Special Operations Command, Air Force), civil aviation operators, aircraft OEMs
- **Mission**: To provide safe, reliable autonomy that extends the capabilities of existing fleets and unlocks next-generation missions, forging the next 100 years of American aviation.

## Products & Services
- **[Merlin Pilot](https://merlinlabs.com/)**: An aircraft-agnostic, AI-powered software platform for autonomous flight from takeoff to touchdown. Designed to adapt to any plane in operation today and in the future.
- **[Condor](https://merlinlabs.com/)**: A product family for large, multi-crew aircraft, announced in 2026, targeting high-capacity military and cargo platforms.
- **Prime Contract with USSOCOM**: Merlin is partnering with U.S. Special Operations Command to bring autonomy to the C-130J fleet, extending operational range for high-frequency routes.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed as of the latest filings. Total cumulative funding (including IPO) is **$704.3M**.
- **Key Metric**: **Revenue** – $2.194M in Q2 FY2026 (quarter ended June 30, 2026) per SEC 10-Q filing. The company is still in high-growth, pre-profit stage (Net Income: -$58.4M in Q2). **Employees** – 145 as of mid-2026, growing 26.7% YoY.
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: First Round Capital (seed lead), Inflection Point Acquisition Corp IV (SPAC sponsor), U.S. Special Operations Command (customer/partner), Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (regulatory partner).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Over 100 hours of autonomous flight across test facilities in the U.S. and New Zealand.
  - Completed Critical Design Review for the C-130J program with USSOCOM.
  - Achieved Stage of Involvement 3 (SOI 3) from the New Zealand CAA for the Merlin Pilot’s Flight Control Computer and Automated Communication System.
  - First autonomous landing of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 2026).
  - Acquired EpiSys Science (EpiSci) in 2024 to bolster AI/autonomy capabilities.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Aircraft-agnostic platform**: The Merlin Pilot is designed to work with any aircraft, reducing integration complexity for customers.
- **Proven autonomy**: Hundreds of hours of autonomous flight, including military-grade operations, de-risking adoption.
- **Regulatory leadership**: Early approvals from the New Zealand CAA (Part 146 Design Organization certificate, SOI 3) pave the way for commercial certification.
- **Prime military contracts**: Direct relationship with USSOCOM for the C-130J program provides a strong revenue and credibility anchor.
- **Talent density**: Engineers from top aerospace firms (Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, Aurora Flight Sciences) and a strong culture of safety and innovation.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale the C-130J program**: Move from CDR to production and deployment with USSOCOM.
- **Expand Condor product line**: Target large, multi-crew aircraft for both military and civil markets.
- **Achieve commercial certification**: Continue working with regulators (FAA, EASA, CAA) to certify the Merlin Pilot for commercial operations.
- **Grow government and defense contracts**: Leverage the public listing and existing relationships to win additional programs.
- **Hire aggressively**: Open roles in AI, autonomy software, systems engineering, program management, and business development (22 active openings as of Sept 2026).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Breaking new ground at 10,000 ft” – collaborative, respectful, and tangible work that is “in use and progressing rapidly.” High morale driven by real-world impact.
- **Work Models**: Hybrid and on-site roles available. Primary locations: Boston, MA (HQ); North Kingstown, RI; Kerikeri, New Zealand; and Washington, DC.
- **Notable Perks**: Work on one of aviation’s hardest problems with a team that includes alumni from top aerospace and defense companies. Employees have delegated authority from the regulator to approve certain aircraft design changes, empowering engineers. The company prioritizes safety and partners with best-in-class aerospace players.
- **Engineering Culture**: Strong emphasis on AI, autonomy, and software engineering. The engineering team is 39% of the workforce, with senior and specialist roles heavily represented. Open roles include Staff Software Engineer (AI Foundation Model), Autonomy Software Engineer, and Lead AI Dataloop Engineer.

## Sources
1. [Merlin Labs – Company Page](https://merlinlabs.com/company/)
2. [Merlin Labs – Homepage](https://merlinlabs.com/)
3. [Merlin Labs – Careers Page](https://merlinlabs.com/careers/)
4. [Merlin Labs – Open Roles on Lever](https://jobs.lever.co/merlinlabs)
5. [Merlin Labs – LinkedIn Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/merlinlabs)
6. [SEC Filing – FY2026 Q2 10-Q](https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0002028707) (via Apollo data reference)

## Other roles at Merlin Labs

- [Assistant General Counsel](https://feeny.ai/job/assistant-general-counsel-merlin-labs-boston-c9axfez1vng8) — Boston, MA
- [Flight Dynamics Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-dynamics-engineer-merlin-labs-boston-p4xv2x08kvd3) — Boston, MA
- [Staff Engineer, Avionics Integration](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-engineer-avionics-integration-merlin-labs-boston-2mbt1cv8aqm3) — Boston, MA
- [Electrical Engineering Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineering-lead-merlin-labs-boston-0kh9rcqt8xb0) — Boston, MA
- [Process Engineer, Configuration Management](https://feeny.ai/job/process-engineer-configuration-management-merlin-labs-boston-h9gbm8nyr0yg) — Boston, MA
- [Senior System Engineer - Integration & Verification](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-system-engineer-integration-verification-merlin-labs-boston-vkajae8ktmhg) — Boston, MA
- [Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-engineer-core-flight-controls-merlin-labs-boston-a96x3cgbfc9m) — Boston, MA
- [Director, Assistant Controller](https://feeny.ai/job/director-assistant-controller-merlin-labs-boston-k8hkhxqe5hf4) — Boston, MA
- [Senior Manager, Strategic Finance](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-manager-strategic-finance-merlin-labs-boston-h3a7dh6rnkqa) — Boston, MA
- [Aircraft Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/aircraft-coordinator-merlin-labs-north-kingstown-1px3m45gnaqx) — North Kingstown, RI