What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contract Director position at Merlin?
About Merlin:
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.
About You:
You are an experienced contracts professional with proven track record in government and commercial contracting, compliance, and software licensing. You thrive on building a functional unit and processes and you’re passionate about defining and negotiating complex licensing terms. Your deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other regulatory frameworks, combined with a strategic mindset, positions you to establish a contracting function that supports rapid growth and operational success.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical function at a dynamic aerospace and defense start-up, where your expertise will directly shape the company’s contracting strategy and infrastructure.
The Role:
We understand that relocating for a new role is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. That’s why we offer comprehensive relocation assistance to help make your transition as seamless as possible. From covering moving expenses to providing guidance on finding housing, we aim to ensure your relocation experience is stress-free.
Additionally, once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
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 people@merlinlabs.com
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
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.
About You:
You are an experienced contracts professional with proven track record in government and commercial contracting, compliance, and software licensing. You thrive on building a functional unit and processes and you’re passionate about defining and negotiating complex licensing terms. Your deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other regulatory frameworks, combined with a strategic mindset, positions you to establish a contracting function that supports rapid growth and operational success.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical function at a dynamic aerospace and defense start-up, where your expertise will directly shape the company’s contracting strategy and infrastructure.
The Role:
- Stand Up the Contracting Function: Build and lead the contracts function, including developing policies, processes, and tools to ensure compliance with government and defense regulations
- Develop Contracts Manual and Standardized Agreements: Collaborate with legal to develop and maintain standard agreements for NDAs, teaming agreements, collaboration agreements, and software licenses
- Software Licensing Expertise: Draft, structure, negotiate, and execute software licensing agreements, including crafting tailored terms and conditions to meet customer and regulatory needs
- Contract Strategy: Oversee all phases of the contract lifecycle, from proposal development and negotiation to execution, monitoring, and closeout, with a focus on risk mitigation and compliance
- Compliance Leadership: Ensure full adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable regulations while establishing internal training and controls to maintain compliance
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with legal, program management, finance, and technical teams to align contracting strategies with company objectives and operational requirements
- Customer and Supplier Negotiations: Serve as the primary point of contact for high-level contractual discussions with government agencies, prime contractors, subcontractors, and commercial partners
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in government contracting, with expertise in FAR/DFARS compliance, intellectual property rights, and software licensing agreements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
- Proficiency in contract management systems and tools, with demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate complex agreements
- Deep understanding of government acquisition processes, contract types (e.g., CPFF, FFP, T&M), and licensing structures
- Proven track record of building and managing teams in high-growth environments
- Security Clearance: Active Secret Security Clearance
We understand that relocating for a new role is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. That’s why we offer comprehensive relocation assistance to help make your transition as seamless as possible. From covering moving expenses to providing guidance on finding housing, we aim to ensure your relocation experience is stress-free.
Additionally, once you’re here, you’ll enjoy a variety of on-site perks designed to make your workday enjoyable and convenient. These include catered lunches featuring a rotating menu of delicious options, an assortment of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, and a selection of beverages, including coffee, tea, and other drinks, to keep you refreshed.
Our goal is to create an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally
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 people@merlinlabs.com
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.
