Aircraft Modification Manager

About Merlin:

Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand;
Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation.

The ideal candidate has a passion for aviation and a solid foundation in aircraft maintenance and support shop management. Attention to detail is crucial, as the role requires thorough modification planning and understanding of maintenance and inspection procedures. Strong problem solving skills are essential for diagnosing and resolving complex aircraft systems issues. Adaptability is key to thriving in our fast-paced environment, and the ability to work independently is highly valued.

Excellent communication skills are necessary for effectively collaborating across our relevant department stakeholders. Safety remains a priority, and the candidate should demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. Initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning are also highly valued traits in this role.

• Plan and execute aircraft modifications designed by company engineers.

  • Provide aircraft status updates and the forecast downtimes to facilitate installations and modifications

  • Plan manpower and hire modification team personnel

  • Manage subordinate aircraft modification personnel.

    • Ensure all maintenance technicians are qualified and trained

    • Determine when external agents should assist with or fully execute modifications.

    • Coordinate with contracting agencies when their services are needed.

    • Ensure company aircraft are modified in a manner to remain in
      -or return to- an airworthy condition.

    • Accomplish all aircraft inspections, repairs, and component changes in a timely manner and in accordance with manufacturers or FAA approved procedures.

    • Maintain close liaison with

      • The aircraft coordinator who is responsible for scheduling test article access and configuration records.

      • Design engineers developing modifications

      • Flight Test Instrumentation Engineers responsible for installing and calibrating special instrumentation.

      • Assist Director of Maintenance to ensure compliance with maintenance procedures, airworthiness directives, service, bulletins, service letters, and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.

      • Manufacturer's representatives, parts supply houses, repair facilities and the FAA.

      • Ensure modification personnel are equipped with the necessary tools, parts, overhaul manuals, service bulletins, service letters, airworthiness directives, applicable sections of this manual, and any other required technical data.

      • Maintain all necessary work records, logbooks, and permanent maintenance records.

      • Interact with the appropriate regulatory agencies (e.g., FAA) to maintain the required certifications for all aircraft (e.g., experimental certifications) and own end-to-end processes for creation and submission.

• Must have a valid A&P License

• Must have a valid driver's license

• Must have 5+ years of experience in Aviation Maintenance

• Must have 5+ years experience in…