Senior Program Manager, Autonomy

About the role

You will own the end to end delivery of Merlin's autonomy programs from initial discovery through production fielding across a diverse portfolio of aircraft and mission profiles. You will translate operator and customer mission needs into a clear product roadmap while managing capability versus schedule trade offs in highly dynamic environments. You will act as the primary integrator across engineering, test, and operations ensuring that autonomy features are delivered on time and aligned with safety and performance targets. You will shape not only the delivery timeline but also what we build by influencing product priorities based on deep customer and operator feedback. You will drive execution velocity while navigating ambiguity, making hard decisions with incomplete information and keeping programs on track. You will build and maintain enduring customer relationships by listening deeply and ensuring autonomy solutions solve real world operational challenges. You will partner closely with Merlin's global flight test teams to iterate quickly, validate autonomy behavior, and accelerate certification and commercialization. You will serve as a force multiplier for cross functional teams, removing blockers and aligning stakeholders so that autonomy platforms can scale from prototype to production.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the discovery and scoping of new autonomy programs by capturing operator requirements and translating them into executable product roadmaps and milestone plans.

Define and manage end to end program roadmaps that balance capability ambition against schedule, budget, and regulatory constraints while maintaining a clear line of sight to customer outcomes.

Partner with flight test organizations in Boston, Kerikeri, New Zealand, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, and upcoming Bedford, Massachusetts to plan test campaigns, analyze flight data, and drive rapid iteration of autonomy software.

Work with systems engineers and safety teams to define verification and validation strategies that ensure autonomy features meet safety and performance standards before field deployment.

Coordinate cross functional integration across software, hardware, and operations teams to resolve dependencies, manage interfaces, and keep integration activities on schedule.

Own risk and issue management for autonomy programs, escalating critical problems early, and driving corrective actions while maintaining transparent communication with leadership and customers.

Develop and maintain strong customer relationships by conducting listening sessions, capturing mission needs, and presenting program status in a clear, actionable manner.

Prioritize features and capabilities in the product backlog based on customer value, technical feasibility, and program risk, adapting plans as new information emerges.

Track program health using quantitative metrics, flight test results, and operational feedback to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement in autonomy performance.

Act as the primary point of contact for cross program alignment, ensuring that autonomy initiatives support Merlin's broader commercial and defense aviation objectives.

Support the preparation of program documentation, customer updates, and certification artifacts to streamline compliance and accelerate deployment.

Identify opportunities to standardize autonomy tools and processes across programs, reducing duplication and improving efficiency in future developments.

Represent Merlin's autonomy vision in external discussions, helping to shape customer expectations and align solutions with market needs.

Drive the transition of autonomy capabilities from early prototype phases to mature, fielded systems that operators can rely on in real world conditions.

Requirements

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.

Candidates must hold current active citizenship in the United States to obtain the necessary security clearance for this role.

Candidates must have at least 8 years of progressive program management experience in complex, technology driven environments.

Candidates must demonstrate deep experience managing autonomy, software intensive systems, or related advanced technology programs.

Candidates must have a proven track record of delivering programs from discovery through deployment, with clear examples of scope, schedule, and budget ownership.

Candidates must be comfortable working in ambiguous, fast paced environments where priorities can shift rapidly and decisions must be made with incomplete data.

Candidates must have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to both technical and non technical stakeholders.

Candidates must be willing to travel regularly within the United States and internationally to support flight test campaigns and customer engagements.

Nice to have

Previous experience in aerospace, defense, or aviation environments is preferred, particularly in roles that interface with flight test and certification processes.

Experience with safety critical systems and functional safety standards relevant to autonomy is highly desirable.

Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for aviation autonomy and certification processes is a significant advantage.

Experience using data driven methods to evaluate autonomy performance and guide product decisions is preferred.

Background in managing cross functional, globally distributed teams is a strong plus given Merlin's international operations.

Practical notes

This role requires United States citizenship due to the need for security clearance eligibility.

Regular travel is required within the United States and internationally to support flight test operations and customer activities.

Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment where agility, resilience, and clear communication are essential.