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Merlin Labs (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company developing autonomous flight systems for commercial and defense aviation. The company has proven its Merlin Pilot autonomy platform through hundreds of autonomous flights and operates test facilities in New Zealand, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
The Aircraft Modification Manager will oversee the planning and execution of aircraft modifications designed by company engineers at the Quonset Point, Rhode Island facility. This is a hands-on leadership role that bridges technical aircraft maintenance with team management and regulatory compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Plan and execute aircraft modifications, providing status updates and downtime forecasts to facilitate installations
- Hire, plan manpower for, and manage subordinate aircraft modification personnel
- Ensure all maintenance technicians are qualified and trained
- Determine when external contractors should assist with or fully execute modifications, and coordinate with contracting agencies
- Ensure aircraft remain in or return to airworthy condition per FAA and manufacturer standards
- Accomplish inspections, repairs, and component changes in a timely manner and in accordance with approved procedures
- Maintain close liaison with aircraft coordinators, design engineers, flight test instrumentation engineers, and regulatory agencies
- Ensure modification personnel have necessary tools, parts, manuals, service bulletins, and technical data
- Maintain all work records, logbooks, and permanent maintenance records
- Interact with the FAA and other regulatory agencies to maintain required certifications (e.g., experimental certifications) and own end-to-end processes for creation and submission
- Assist the Director of Maintenance in ensuring compliance with maintenance procedures, airworthiness directives, service bulletins, and applicable Federal Aviation Regulations
Requirements:
- Valid A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) License (required)
- Valid driver's license (required)
- 5+ years of experience in aviation maintenance (required)
- 5+ years of experience in aircraft modification (required)
- 2+ years of experience in a leadership role (required)
- Strong customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to adapt to priority changes and short timelines
- Ability to work efficiently and accurately with frequent interruptions and multiple priorities
- Positive team attitude and ability to coordinate effectively across departments
- Willingness to work on the hangar floor, on aircraft, and in the office as needed
- Excellent proficiency with Microsoft and Google software suites
Nice to have:
- IA (Inspection Authorization) certification
- Bachelor's degree in aviation maintenance, engineering, or management
- Profit and loss / budget management experience
