Senior Director of Safety and Quality

Senior Director Of Safety And Quality

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.

You are a strategic leader with experience in implementing and managing Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Quality Management Systems (QMS) in advanced aviation technology. You have a proven track record in project management within highly regulated industries and possess deep knowledge of aviation regulations and certification processes by agencies such as the FAA, EASA, and others. Your organizational skills and creative thinking allow you to lead complex technical programs and drive innovation in the aviation industry.

• Leadership and Strategy :
  Report to the Chief Policy and Regulatory Officer, overseeing the development and execution of short- and long-term safety and regulatory strategies, plans, and resources.
• SMS and QMS Leadership :
  Lead the integration and continuous improvement of Safety Management Systems and Quality Management Systems across the entire business, ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration :
  Work closely with certification, compliance, regulatory, and engineering teams on technology projects, and manage the program management process for obtaining approvals for autonomous technology from global regulatory agencies such as FAA, NASA, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, ICAO, and EASA.
• Consultant Management :
  Coordinate with a roster of external consultants and experts to ensure their seamless integration into Merlin's programs, maximizing their impact as force multipliers.
• Program and Project Management :
  Oversee the selection and administration of project tracking tools, optimizing program management across global policy, compliance, safety, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Team Development and Standards :
  Foster a culture of excellence by developing work standards and guidelines for the team, ensuring adherence to established procedures, processes, and compliance standards.
• Relationship Building :
  Identify, track, and manage critical regulatory, policy, and industry relationships both domestically and internationally, in collaboration with business development and company leads.

• 8+ years of experience leading complex safety, regulatory, and compliance projects in a technology company, startup, or government agency.
• Proven ability to build relationships with senior leaders in government, industry, and academia.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure situations.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Ability to travel 30%+ as needed to support team objectives and global operations.

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, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. 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.

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

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