Flight Controls and Modeling Engineer

About Merlin:

Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.

About You:

You are an experienced flight controls simulation engineer who wants to contribute to making airplanes that fly themselves. You are familiar with fixed wing aircraft and the classical and modern methods used to control them automatically. You know how to use industry standard tools for this work, and you are excited to work on applying them to a new and novel application.

• Help create the simulation tools needed for development and testing (aircraft nonlinear model (6-DOF) update using system identification techniques, etc)
• Past experience has emparted a thorough understanding of aircraft flight dynamics and modeling processes
• Participate in flight test and flight data analysis to validate aircraft dynamics, actuator and LRU modeling
• Integrate and tune automatic flight controls for our aircraft autonomy system on various aircraft - DOD projects
• Write Requirements for high level and low level automated flight control functions and integration for different aircraft types
• Verify control law performance on multiple aircraft.
• Create, test, and verify Simulink control law and system logic/processing models according to Merlin’s development standards, and participate in certification activities.
• Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel, certifiable systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy.

• BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years of experience developing aircraft simulations using system identification of flight test data to facilitate the rapid design and testing of flight control systems
• Experience developing and certifying control systems for fixed wing aircraft, with demonstrated understanding of fixed wing aircraft dynamics, integration and certification tasks
• Experience decomposing systems requirements into high level requirements and low level requirements/models, and knowledge of how to define integration/performance requirements for automatic flight control systems integration with the other areas of the avionics system
• Experience working in Model Based Development and certification of flight control systems, including proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink or another model-based development toolset
• Experience designing, implementing, and testing software for real-time systems
• Experience developing certified software under RTCA DO-178

• MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering and/or Controls
• Experience analyzing military guidance materials for impact on safety of flight and automatic control system design
• Flight Test experience writing test cards and integrating test systems for automated flight controls into various aircraft, to validate aircraft models, validate control system performance and perform failure testing
• Pilot license
• Experience working in an Agile development environment with open-source software tools

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA. We offer flexible hybrid in office schedules.

We understand that relocating for a new role is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. That’s why we offer comprehensive relocation assistance to help make your transition as seamless as possible. From covering moving expenses to providing guidance on finding housing, we aim to ensure your relocation experience is stress-free.

Additionally, 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, 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, and reference checks. 

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.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to people@merlinlabs.com

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