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Merlin · 4 months ago

Director of Flight Test

North Kingstown, RI

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Merlin Labs is a venture-backed aerospace startup focused on developing a non-human pilot to enhance both crewed and uncrewed flight capabilities. The Director of Flight Test will lead all experimental and prototype flight test activities, ensuring safety and compliance while collaborating with engineering teams to validate new aviation technologies.

Air TransportationInformation TechnologySoftwareTransportation

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Lead all experimental and prototype flight test activities, from concept through certification

Develop and execute test strategies for first flights, envelope expansion, systems validation, and performance testing

Oversee creation of flight test plans, safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, and flight readiness reviews

Partner closely with engineering teams to validate new designs, avionics, autonomy, propulsion, and control systems under test

Direct the work of test pilots, flight test engineers, instrumentation specialists, and ground crews during experimental campaigns

Ensure adherence to FAA/EASA/DoD experimental test standards and experimental certificate requirements

Manage relationships with regulatory authorities, DERs, and other stakeholders to align test programs with certification objectives

Provide leadership in accident/incident prevention, emergency response planning, and operational risk management

Present technical and program-level updates to senior leadership, partners, and certification bodies

Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and technical excellence within the test organization

Qualification

Aerospace EngineeringFlight Test ExperienceExperimental Certification ProcessesFlight SciencesTest InstrumentationTelemetryData AnalysisPilot CertificationRisk ManagementTechnical CommunicationLeadership Skills