Manager, National Security Policy

Merlin Labs•Washington, DC

About The Position

Merlin is a venture-backed aerospace startup focused on enabling reduced crew and uncrewed flight through a non-human pilot. Backed by leading investors, Merlin is scaling to address significant aviation challenges with autonomy. The ideal candidate is a policy and regulatory strategist interested in aviation, autonomy, and emerging technologies. They should understand how policy, regulation, and government stakeholders influence technology adoption and be adept at navigating this landscape. The role requires comfort operating at the intersection of government, industry, and technical teams, translating complex regulatory frameworks into business implications, and shaping strategies for safe, scalable deployment. This position demands a proactive, collaborative individual capable of strategic and tactical execution, driving policy initiatives while supporting broader company objectives.

Requirements

6–10+ years of experience in public policy, government affairs, regulatory strategy, or related roles
Experience in aviation, aerospace, defense, technology policy, or other regulated industries
Familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks, particularly in aviation, safety, or emerging technologies
Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues and translate them into business-relevant insights
Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, or industry associations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing policy briefs and executive materials
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across technical and business teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with FAA, DoD, or other aviation and defense-related agencies
Familiarity with autonomous systems, AI policy, or advanced air mobility
Background in legislative, regulatory, or industry advocacy roles
Experience working in or with high-growth or venture-backed companies
Understanding of certification processes and safety frameworks in aviation
Strong network within relevant policy and regulatory communities

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of Merlin’s public policy and regulatory strategy, in alignment with corporate and product strategy
Monitor, analyze, and interpret policy and regulatory developments relevant to autonomous aviation, AI, and safety-critical systems
Engage with government stakeholders, regulators, and industry groups to support favorable policy outcomes
Partner with internal teams (Engineering, Programs, Business Development) to ensure alignment between technical development and regulatory requirements
Help shape Merlin’s positioning on key topics including autonomy, certification, safety, and airspace integration
Develop clear, concise materials to communicate policy positions to internal leadership, external stakeholders, and industry forums
Support strategy related to FAA certification pathways and government program alignment
Contribute to cross-functional strategic initiatives where policy and regulation are critical enablers
Track and assess risks and opportunities in the evolving regulatory environment and provide actionable insights to leadership