Senior Systems Engineer, Flight Autonomy
Merlin Labs · Boston, MA
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Jul 6, 2026
Boston, MA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A systems engineering role focused on developing sub-system architecture, requirements, and test strategies for autonomous flight control systems in an aerospace startup context. The work involves collaborating with safety, hardware, and software teams, supporting verification and validation activities, and engaging with customers and regulatory bodies. Best suited to engineers with a background in flight controls and experience touching ML or autonomy in safety-critical environments.
Senior level · 6+ years · Boston, MA · Bachelor's required · Full-time
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
Posted 4 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (8)
SOC classification is uncertain: this is an aerospace/systems engineering role focused on avionics and autonomous flight control systems — it does not map cleanly to any single SOC code in the computer/mathematical occupations list. 15-1299 (Computer Occupations, All Other) is used as the closest fit given the ML/autonomy and software-requirements aspects; 15-1211 (Computer Systems Analysts) is a plausible alternative given the systems architecture and requirements analysis focus.
Location is not explicitly stated in the posting. Merlin Labs is headquartered in Boston, MA; that metro is assumed.
Total years minimum is set to 6 (the lower bound of the stated '6-9 years with BS' range). The JD also offers reduced minimums for MS (4-6 yrs) and PhD (2-4 yrs) holders, but 6 years is the hard floor for the minimum required degree (BS).
Flight Control Systems and ML/Autonomy are listed together as a single required qualification ('Specific experience in Flight Controls System Development with aspects of ML or Autonomy') under the required Qualifications section; both are marked required.
ARP4754A, DO-178B/C, MBSE, Simulink, Cameo, IADS, and Jama all appear under the 'Highly Desired Experience' section, which uses language such as 'a plus but not required' and 'familiarity with' — all treated as preferred.
DO-178B and DO-178C are listed together as interchangeable certification standards; DO-178B is used as the primary name with DO-178C as the alternative.
The posting states applicants must be authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship — no clearance is required, but candidates must have existing US work authorization.
Ignored 3 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, System Architecture.
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