Role & seniority: Lead Experimental Test Pilot, senior flight-test role within Merlin’s Flight Test team.

Stack/tools: fixed-wing flight dynamics and control; flight test planning; data collection/analysis; simulation verification; (nice-to-have) Linux, Git, Jira; flight controls product development experience.

Top 3 responsibilities

Lead capability testing on Merlin’s test aircraft and drive test-process applications with engineering to support autonomy development.
Develop, execute, and analyze flight tests; build/approve test cards; verify procedures via simulation; produce robust flight test reports and deficiency analyses.
Collaborate with hardware, software, flight controls, integration, and flight operations teams to plan tests and ensure readiness and efficient data collection.

Must-have skills

5+ years in experimental flight tests or equivalent training/experience; graduate of a recognized test pilot program.
Knowledge of basic fixed-wing flight dynamics and control; strong written/verbal communication; excellent organization.
Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with Linux, Git, Jira; experience in flight controls product development and system/software testing/troubleshooting.
Location & work type: United States-based; on-site testing with travel; prior authorization to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Full Description

About Merlin

Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.

About You

Do you enjoy hands-on testing at the cutting edge of aerospace technology? Do you enjoy fast paced problem solving? Are you self-motivated and have a critical eye for flight safety and flight test details? Do you love the idea of more widely proliferated and safer flying machines, accessible to all? If so, you might be a good fit to lead our Experimental Test Pilot position as part of our Flight Test team here at Merlin.

The Role

Lead capability testing on our test aircraft working with our engineering team in supporting development of our autonomy systems by flying early and often.
As a lead project pilot, develop and drive the application of processes we need to prepare for, execute, and analyze our flight tests.
Collaborate with hardware, software, flight controls, integration, and flight operation teams to develop test plans, ensure readiness for test, and drive efficient and effective collection of the data we need to test our systems.
Execute flight tests as needed onsite, including assisting in building and approving test cards, verifying procedures and software via simulation, serving as test pilot, and supporting generation of analysis and deficiency reports after flight through robust flight test reports.
This position may require up to 50% travel.
5+ years direct experience with experimental flight tests or a combination of equivalent formal training and experience.
Graduate of a recognized test pilot school or program.
Knowledge of basic concepts of fixed wing aircraft flight dynamics and control.
Enthusiastic willingness to do what needs to be done to help our flight test program succeed.
Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

Nice to Haves

Experience using software development environments and tools such as Linux, git, and Jira.
Experience with flight controls product development, including testing and troubleshooting at the system level as well as at the software component level.

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.