About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading the development of compute platforms for autonomous flight at a startup. You'll be responsible for designing and implementing infrastructure that supports mission-critical systems, working closely with various technical teams. It's a senior-level position that combines strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in platform engineering, particularly in high-stakes environments like aerospace or autonomous systems. A collaborative mindset and a willingness to tackle complex challenges are essential.

Worth noting

The position is at a venture-backed startup, which can mean a dynamic work environment and potential for rapid growth, but also comes with the risks associated with early-stage companies. The focus on autonomy and real-world application is a unique aspect of this role.

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 senior platform leader who understands that autonomous flight demands uncompromising reliability, real-time performance, and scalable infrastructure.

You have built and owned compute platforms that power complex, mission-critical systems — spanning cloud ML training, high-fidelity simulation, and edge or embedded environments. You think holistically about architecture, balancing determinism, latency, scalability, safety, and cost.

You are not looking to maintain infrastructure — you want to define it. You operate as a technical authority, partnering closely with autonomy, perception, controls, and flight software leaders to ensure the compute foundation enables rapid development and safe, scalable deployment.

You thrive in environments where the platform you design directly impacts real-world performance. You are comfortable setting long-term technical direction while remaining hands-on in the most complex systems challenges.

Skills & Tags

ai design

Aplyr's read

Merlin Labs is pioneering automation in aviation, attracting talent driven by innovation in AI and aerospace technology.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Merlin Labs focuses on cutting-edge aviation automation, a rapidly growing field.
•The company attracts top talent across diverse engineering and technical disciplines.
•Merlin Labs' work in AI could redefine aviation industry standards.

What to watch

•The aviation industry is highly regulated, potentially slowing innovation.
•Automation in aviation poses significant safety and ethical challenges.
•Limited public information about Merlin Labs' financial stability and market position.

Why Merlin Labs

•Merlin Labs specializes in integrating AI with aviation, a niche market.
•The company hires for highly specialized roles, indicating a focus on advanced technology.
•Merlin Labs emphasizes human-machine teaming, setting it apart in aerospace innovation.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Merlin Labs

Merlin Labs

merlinlabs.com

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Merlin is a technology company focused on developing advanced solutions for the aviation industry, particularly in the areas of automation and artificial intelligence.