Staff Systems Engineer - Architecture & Interfaces

Merlin Labs•Boston, MA

8d•$165,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Merlin is hiring a Staff Systems Engineer to execute system architecture, interface definition, requirements development, and validation for the Merlin Pilot autonomy system. The role focuses on civil-certified or DOD safety-critical avionics systems and requires translating customer needs into system-level descriptions and requirements that decompose into subsystems. The engineer will capture and maintain architectures using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), define interfaces across mission autonomy and flight autonomy, and support interoperability and integration across multiple aircraft types. The position supports Merlin Pilot software releases from requirements definition through validation, performs change-impact assessments and trade studies, and collaborates with system safety and product cybersecurity teams. The engineer will work across hardware, software, safety, and flight-test teams and may participate in reviews with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. Remote applicants are welcome, with a preference for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Boston, Massachusetts, for a hybrid schedule at headquarters. The stated base salary range is $165,000–$220,000 per year. Merlin says highly competitive equity grants are part of total compensation and offers full-time employees health, dental, life, flexible paid time off, and a 401(k) with match. The company describes its workplace as an innovative, entrepreneurial, team-focused startup environment that supports professional development and work/life integration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related subject.
10+ years of systems engineering experience in FAA, EASA, or DOD certification programs; the stated alternatives are 7+ years with an MS degree or 5+ years with a PhD.
Ability to independently own and deliver complex systems engineering work products with minimal supervision.
Hands-on experience with integrated avionics equipment using ARP4754A/B and RTCA DO-178B/C for flight-critical systems.
Ability to develop system-level requirements, architectures, and interfaces and decompose them to lower levels.
Experience in requirements validation and verification.
Experience capturing system architectures using MBSE tools such as Cameo.
Familiarity with general aviation aircraft and integration.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Ability to lead projects or work packages from a technical perspective.
Specific experience in Automatic Flight Controls, Flight Management, or Display Systems.
Experience developing software requirements and performing software verification.

Responsibilities

Execute assigned segments of the Merlin Pilot System architecture and interface definition, including functional and logical architecture, functional behaviors, and physical architecture.
Capture and maintain system architectures in MBSE models, updating them as the design evolves.
Translate customer needs into top-level system descriptions and requirements that decompose to the Mission Autonomy and Flight Autonomy teams; develop CONOPs, use cases, and other tools to capture customer needs.
Define and assess interfaces between mission autonomy and flight autonomy, and document Merlin Pilot architecture interfaces to support correctness, feasibility, interoperability, and integration across multiple aircraft types.
Develop system-level requirements for features, functions, interfaces, performance, and operational needs, and support allocation of requirements to subsystems and items.
Specify physical interfaces and data protocols, and produce detailed interface definitions and supporting documentation.
Support Merlin Pilot software releases with systems engineering from requirements definition through validation.
Perform change-impact assessments in response to change requests, problem reports, and new requirements from Air Vehicle Integration.
Execute trade studies and present results and recommendations to Engineering Review Boards.
Collaborate with System Safety and Product Cybersecurity to capture system-level safety and cybersecurity requirements.
Participate in artifact reviews with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities as required.