Manager, National Security Policy

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.

• 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 regulation are critical enablers 

• Track and assess risks and opportunities in the evolving regulatory environment and provide actionable insights to leadership 

• 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 

• Strong 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 

• 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 

• Strong network within relevant policy and regulatory communities