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Flight Dynamics Engineer- Virtual Test Environment

Merlin Boston, Massachusetts, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Feb 23, 2026Apply by Mar 25, 2026

Role & seniority: Experienced aircraft simulation engineer (mid–senior level) focused on aircraft autonomy.

Stack/tools: MATLAB and Simulink; basic C, C++, Python; traditional aircraft simulation techniques; knowledge of flight test and certification processes. Nice-to-have: AFSIM, Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) integration; MS/PhD in Aerospace; pilot license or flight experience.

Top 3 responsibilities

  1. Develop, improve, and maintain aircraft models for aerodynamics, control systems, servos, brakes, landing gear, etc.

  2. Support flight test planning, instrumentation requirements, and test-data analysis for simulation validation.

  3. Create software to continuously improve the simulation; collaborate with virtual test users; extend the virtual test environment for customer needs.

Must-have skills

  • 5+ years in aircraft dynamics/simulation

  • MATLAB/Simulink proficiency; working knowledge of C/C++ and Python

  • Understanding of conventional aircraft simulation modeling

  • Experience with flight tests and aircraft certification

  • BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Nice-to-haves

  • MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering (flight dynamics)

  • Experience with AFSIM and LVC workflows

  • Proficiency in C/C++/Python beyond basics

  • Prior experience setting up/flying simulators; piloting license or flight experience

Location & work type: On-site, Merlin HQ, Boston, MA; full-time position with on-site perks and benefits. Equal-opportunity employer

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

  • You are an experienced aircraft simulation engineer who wants to contribute to aircraft autonomy by making an exceptional state-of-the-art simulation environment. You have a strong understanding of aircraft dynamics and a strong passion for aircraft simulation and aviation. You understand how the aviation industry and aircraft certification processes work and can learn quickly to adapt to the needs of the company.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, improve, and update aircraft models that simulate aerodynamics, control systems, servos, brakes, landing gear, etc.
  • Support flight test planning, instrumentation requirements, and test data analysis to gather quality data for simulation development and validation.
  • Write software to support continuous improvements to our existing simulation.
  • Collaborate with virtual test environment users to ensure that their objectives are met.
  • Support expansion of our virtual test environment to include additional advancements needed to support our customers

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant experience working with aircraft dynamics and aircraft simulation
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink with some basic knowledge of C, C++, and python
  • An understanding of conventional aircraft simulation modeling techniques
  • Experience with flight test
  • Experience with aircraft certification
  • BS in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering

Nice to Haves

  • MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering focusing on aircraft flight dynamics
  • Experience integrating with AFSIM
  • Experience with Live, Virtual, Constructive simulation techniques and processes
  • Proficient in C, C++, and python
  • Experience setting up and flying simulators personally or professionally
  • Pilot’s license or some flight experience

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.

Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.

Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally

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.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: people@merlinlabs.com

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Aircraft DynamicsAircraft SimulationMATLABSimulinkCC++PythonAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringFlight TestAircraft CertificationAFSIMLVC SimulationPilot Licensemulti-location

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