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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director, AI Core Software - **Company:** Merlin Labs - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $252,000 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Software Quality, Computer Engineering, Continuous Integration, Linux on Embedded Systems, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Machine Learning, Motion Planning, Open Source Technology, Real-Time Operating Systems, Tensorflow, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Digital Twin, Pytorch, Data Strategy, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations, Automotive Software, Data Pipelines - **Published:** November 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/28_25304_5da269850de7d7f5ee4e3d404f3a7681 ## About the Role You are a technically deep software leader who has shipped production AI or autonomy systems in a safety-critical domain. You thrive at the intersection of rigorous engineering and ambitious product vision, and you know how to build and motivate world-class teams working on hard, long-horizon problems. You hold yourself and your team to the highest standards of software quality and safety - not because the process demands it, but because you genuinely care about the integrity of what you build. You're equally comfortable reviewing a pull request, debating system architecture, and presenting a roadmap to the executive team. You want your work to matter, and there's nothing more meaningful to you than putting reliable autonomous systems into the sky., * Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Math, or a related subject. * 10+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 5 years in Physical AI technical leadership and engineering management roles. * Proven track record of shipping production grade AI based autonomy in a safety-critical, deterministic and highly regulated environment (aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, or similar). * Deep expertise in at least one of: real-time perception and sensor fusion, motion planning and control, large-scale next gen AI model training and deployment, or onboard inference systems. * Strong command of modern software engineering practices including AI model distillation, MLOps, CI/CD, rigorous testing strategies, and design-for-safety principles. * Experience in deploying end-to-end Data strategy to collect, ingest and curate the data for AI model training, simulation and edge deployment. * Experience managing the managers, senior engineers and staff-level technical contributors, including performance management and career development. * Ability to define and communicate architectural decisions across organizational boundaries, including to non-technical stakeholders. * Proficiency in Pytorch, TensorFlow and C++ (or equivalent systems languages used in real-time embedded environments). * Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document complex technical decisions clearly and concisely. * Comfort operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment where priorities and requirements evolve., * Background in vehicle dynamics, vehicle control systems, or avionics/Automotive software integration. * Familiarity with simulation-based validation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, or digital twin development. * Experience with airborne hardware platforms, embedded Linux, or real-time operating systems (RTOS). * Published research or significant contributions to open-source projects in autonomy, robotics, or machine learning. * Prior experience at a Series A-C deep tech startup. * Pilot's license or meaningful hands-on experience with aircraft operations. ## Description * Define and drive the technical strategy for Merlin's AI Core platform, spanning perception, sensor fusion, decision-making, planning, and control. * Lead, grow, and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of AI engineers, robotics engineers, and software engineers working on flight-critical autonomy software. * Collaborate with the VP of Engineering and CTO to translate company-level objectives into clear, achievable technical roadmaps with well-defined milestones. * Own the architecture of the AI Core stack from data pipelines and model training infrastructure through to real-time onboard inference and control. * Establish and enforce engineering standards, code quality practices, and safety review processes appropriate for an aviation-grade software system. * Partner closely with Flight Operations, Systems Engineering, and Certification teams to ensure AI Core software meets FAA and regulatory requirements. * Drive integration between AI Core components and the broader avionics and vehicle management systems. * Recruit senior engineering talent and build a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and psychological safety. * Represent the AI Core team in cross-functional planning, risk reviews, and stakeholder communications. * Track and evaluate emerging research and open-source developments relevant to autonomous flight, and translate promising work into product opportunities.