Vice President, Government Relations

🕒 May 18

☕ Washington – Remote

☕ Washington – Remote

⏰ Full Time

🔴 Lead

👔 Vice President

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Merlin Labs

WebsiteLinkedInAll Job Openings

51 - 200 employees

Founded 2018

🚀 Aerospace

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🚗 Transport

Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Transport

Merlin Labs is a company focused on developing autonomous flight capabilities through its innovative Merlin Pilot technology. They aim to deliver reduced aircrew and uncrewed flight solutions for various aircraft, including the C-130J Super Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, and F-16. Merlin Labs employs advanced automation systems, sensor technology, and natural language processing to enable full takeoff to touchdown flights, navigate environments, and communicate effectively with air traffic control. Their mission involves creating a non-human pilot that mimics human pilot skills, enhancing both military and civilian aviation sectors. With a strong emphasis on testing and certification, Merlin Labs is at the forefront of autonomous aviation development.

📋 Description

• Develop and lead Merlin’s government relations strategy, aligned with revenue and growth objectives • Build and maintain senior-level relationships across U.S. government agencies, including defense, aviation, and related stakeholders • Partner closely with the Chief Revenue Officer and Business Development teams to identify, shape, and advance opportunities within government channels • Support the development and positioning of Merlin’s capabilities in alignment with government priorities, missions, and funding pathways • Navigate and influence procurement processes, including traditional and non-traditional acquisition pathways • Collaborate cross-functionally with Strategy, Programs, Engineering, and Policy to ensure alignment between government engagement and product direction • Provide insights into budget cycles, policy developments, and funding opportunities that impact revenue strategy • Represent Merlin in meetings, briefings, and industry forums to strengthen credibility and visibility within the government ecosystem • Help drive capture strategy and deal progression for key government programs • Develop clear internal reporting and external-facing materials to support executive and Board-level visibility

🎯 Requirements

• 12-15+ years of experience in government relations, defense programs, or public sector business development • Deep understanding of U.S. government structure, procurement processes, and funding mechanisms • Experience engaging with Dod, FAA, DHS, or related agencies • Proven ability to build relationships that lead to programmatic outcomes or revenue generation • Strong understanding of mission-driven technologies, ideally in aerospace, autonomy, or defense • Experience operating in complex, regulated environments • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders internally and externally

🏖️ Benefits

• health, dental, life insurance • unlimited vacation • 401k with match