Merlin
aerospace
Manager,NationalSecurityPolicy
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“Manager, National Security Policy at Merlin. Skills: policy and regulatory strategy, autonomous aviation, AI, safety-critical systems. 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”
What You'll Achieve.
support favorable policy outcomes; enable safe, scalable deployment; driving policy initiatives forward while supporting broader company objectives; provide actionable insights to leadership
Industry & Context.
analyze complex policy issues and translate them into business-relevant insights
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., 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.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
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, 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 Have
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, network within relevant policy and regulatory communities
What You'll Do.
Support the development and execution of Merlin’s public policy and regulatory strategy
in alignment with corporate and product strategy
and interpret policy and regulatory developments relevant to autonomous aviation
and safety-critical systems
Engage with government stakeholders
and industry groups to support favorable policy outcomes
Help shape Merlin’s positioning on key topics including autonomy
and airspace integration
concise materials to communicate policy positions to internal leadership
external stakeholders
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
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Partner with internal teams (Engineering, Programs, Business Development) to ensure alignment between technical development and regulatory requirements; Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across technical and business teams
Communication Scope
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience developing policy briefs and executive materials; Develop clear, concise materials to communicate policy positions to internal leadership, external stakeholders, and industry forums
Full Job Description
## 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 a policy and regulatory strategist with a strong interest in aviation, autonomy, and emerging technologies. You understand how policy, regulation, and government stakeholders shape the adoption of new technologies—and you know how to navigate and influence that landscape effectively. You are comfortable operating at the intersection of government, industry, and technical teams. You can translate complex regulatory frameworks into clear business implications and help shape strategies that enable safe, scalable deployment. You are proactive, highly collaborative, and able to operate both strategically and tactically—driving policy initiatives forward while supporting broader company objectives. ## 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 r
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