M

Merlin Labs

Autonomous flight control for aircraft

Director Assistant Controller

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$220k - $290k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's, Master's, MBA
Boston, MA, USA
In PersonBased on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, Massachusetts.
AccountingFinancial Accounting
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
  • An active CPA license in good standing is required.
  • At least 7 years of progressive accounting experience is required.
  • Demonstrated experience with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit processes is required.
  • Strong working knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting requirements, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance is required.
  • Experience with revenue recognition under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606 for long-term contracts is required.
  • Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is required; Deltek Costpoint, SAP, or a similar government contracting ERP is strongly preferred.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in preparing quarterly 10-Q and annual 10-K reports filed with the SEC in compliance with U.S. GAAP and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards.
  • Support SOX Section 404 compliance, including documentation, testing, and remediation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).
  • Coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
  • Prepare and review financial statements, footnotes, and management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) disclosures for accuracy and completeness.
  • Oversee cost accounting practices in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
  • Manage preparation and submission of government-required financial reports, including DCAA audits, incurred cost submissions (ICS), and forward pricing rate proposals (FPRPs).
  • Monitor and maintain compliance with contract-specific accounting requirements for time-and-materials (T&M), cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF), firm-fixed-price (FFP), and other contract types.
  • Support the Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting process for applicable government programs.
  • Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring accurate and timely journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
  • Manage indirect cost pools, allocation methodologies, and overhead rate calculations in compliance with CAS and FAR.
  • Supervise revenue recognition under ASC 606, including over-time recognition methodology for long-term government contracts.
  • Maintain and strengthen the company's chart of accounts and general ledger integrity.
  • Design, implement, and monitor internal control procedures in accordance with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) framework and SOX requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations.
  • Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures documentation.
  • Oversee accounting and administration of equity compensation programs, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
  • Ensure accurate recording of stock-based compensation expense under ASC 718, including fair value determination, vesting schedules, and forfeiture rate assumptions.
  • Coordinate with the equity plan administrator and transfer agent to maintain accurate capitalization table records and equity award activity.
  • Prepare equity-related financial statement disclosures and footnotes for SEC filings, including 10-K and 10-Q reports.
  • Partner with Legal, Human Resources, and Tax to administer Section 16 reporting obligations, Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, and insider trading policy compliance.
  • Monitor and account for dilutive securities and ensure accurate earnings per share (EPS) calculations under ASC 260.
  • Oversee payroll processing for all employees across multiple states, including salaried, hourly, and contract labor populations.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding, remittance, and year-end W-2 and 1099 reporting.
  • Maintain payroll controls and procedures that satisfy SOX internal control requirements and DCAA labor charging standards.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources on compensation changes, benefits deductions, leave accruals, and onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure payroll accuracy.
  • Review and approve payroll journal entries, reconcile payroll liability accounts, and ensure proper allocation of labor costs to government contract cost pools and direct and indirect categories.
  • Manage relationships with third-party payroll service providers and ensure system integrations with the ERP and time-tracking platforms function accurately.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals, including Senior Accountants and Staff Accountants.
  • Partner with Program Managers, Contracts Administration, Legal, and Finance to ensure accurate project-level financial reporting and forecasting.
  • Support the CFO and Corporate Controller with special projects, mergers and acquisitions due diligence, and strategic financial initiatives.
Desired Qualifications
  • A master's degree in Accounting or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
  • Experience at a Big Four or national public accounting firm with a defense or government practice is preferred.
  • Experience in a defense, aerospace, or government contracting environment is preferred.
  • Familiarity with EVM and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) compliance is preferred.
  • Experience supporting an initial public offering (IPO), secondary offerings, or public company transitions is preferred.
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence or software development project cost accounting and research and development (R&D) capitalization under ASC 350-40 is preferred.

About the company

M

Merlin Labs

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cbWebsite

Merlin Labs builds autonomous flight technology, focusing on the Merlin Pilot, an autonomous flight system designed to be deployed across aircraft of any size or age. How it works: the Merlin Pilot is an autonomous pilot system that can operate with a human pilot during a transitional phase, increasing safety and trust. It’s designed to be integrated into existing and future aircraft through partnerships with aviation authorities and manufacturers; revenue comes from selling and licensing the technology to operators and OEMs. What makes Merlin different: it emphasizes a scalable, adaptable platform that is validated through regulatory engagement (FAA, CAA NZ) and a phased approach to autonomy rather than immediate full automation. What is the goal: to enable safe, scalable autonomous flight across commercial airlines, cargo operators, and potentially private aircraft, by providing a certified, integrated autonomous flight solution that can be adopted across fleets.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Boston, Massachusetts

Founded

2019

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 2026 CAANZ SOI 3 cleared Merlin's flight-control computer and automated communications software.
  • Q2 2026 revenue reached $2.2 million, while cash rose to $183.9 million.
  • USSOCOM's $105 million C-130J IDIQ funds integration, ground testing, and 2027 revenue.

What critics are saying

  • Merlin shut its small-aircraft civil certification program September 9, 2026, abandoning that market.
  • The SkyCourier UX remains a concept; engineering studies start before any contract or flight.
  • Existential risk: a C-130J certification miss or safety failure kills Merlin's defense-first commercialization path.

What makes Merlin Labs unique

  • Merlin's aircraft-agnostic Merlin Pilot targets C-130J, SkyCourier, Caravan, King Air, and future freighters.
  • Textron's September 2026 SkyCourier UX concept shows Merlin inside certified airframes, not prototypes.
  • CAANZ Part 146 certificate lets Merlin self-approve design changes in New Zealand.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Relocation Assistance

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

-3%

2 year growth

1%
Autoevolution
Sep 21st, 2026
Autonomous Cessna SkyCourier could lose its cockpit and Pilot's seat to gain more cargo Space.

Autonomous Cessna SkyCourier could lose its cockpit and Pilot's seat to gain more cargo Space. Aircraft maker Cessna partnered with Merlin to create an autonomous version of the SkyCourier aircraft for the needs of the military. Published: 21 Sep 2026, 10:56 UTC - By: Photo: Cessna In the spring of this year, aircraft maker Cessna revealed that its almost decade-long SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop airplane will take on its first military role, in the service of the Belgian Special Operations Forces (SOF). A few months later, the company presented an idea for a version meant to meet the needs of military forces while flying itself. The announcement was made during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in mid-September, and was accompanied by the presentation of an aircraft called the Cessna SkyCourier UX concept. The thing that makes this design special is that it is fitted with the Merlin Pilot autonomy system, which has already proved its merits on a number of aircraft, including Cessna Caravans and Beechcraft King Airs, during flight tests. The solution allows planes to fly themselves, and it will eventually not require the presence of an onboard human. Cessna is working to make the SkyCourier a means to deliver a self-flying aircraft slotted, in terms of transport capabilities, between small tactical cargo drones and large military transport aircraft. That, paired with the design's ability to take off from and land on unimproved runways, creates one potential solution for military cargo transport into areas where logistics routes are constrained or unavailable. Making the SkyCourier frees up Cessna's engineers to imagine ways in which the plane could be modified to support a larger and heavier payload. That would be about 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg), which can be carried inside three LD3 shipping containers, or up to 19 people seated inside the cabin - it's unclear, though, if soldiers are to be transported this way. Cessna is already considering ways to make the airplane roomier, including by imagining the removal of the plane's standard cockpit and replacing it with a forward-loading cargo architecture that includes a nose opening. Kneeling capabilities and integrated loading systems are also being considered. Cessna said nothing about any mechanical changes to accompany the redesign, so Autoevolution'll probably still be dealing with the wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and McCauley C779 110-inch (280 cm) aluminum four-blade propellers. In standard form, the hardware allows the SkyCourier to fly at top speeds of 230 mph (370 kph) and reach distances of up to 1,036 miles (1,667 km). It's likely these numbers will not change either on the UX autonomous concept. It's unclear when this self-flying aircraft will be ready for duty, as the two companies involved are only getting started. Merlin will use the coming months to perform engineering studies and evaluations. Luckily, the plane itself will not have to get through the usual motions of the industry, as it already is FAA-certified and in production. If the tests prove the merits of the design, Cessna will propose the UX as a tool for hub-to-spoke distribution, expeditionary base sustainment, transport of critical repair parts, delivery of medical supplies, and island and remote-airfield operations support. Liked the article? Follow Autoevolution to see more articles from autoevolution in your Google feeds.

Royal Media
Sep 18th, 2026
Merlin to merge autonomous software with Cessna's SkyCourier.

Merlin to merge autonomous software with Cessna's SkyCourier. Company withdraws Merlin Pilot certification for small aircraft in New Zealand. Merlin will collaborate with Textron Aviation to develop the Cessna SkyCourier UX, an autonomous variant of the regional twin-engine turboprop, for military use. The aircraft will be designed to carry approximately 6,000 pounds of payload or up to three LD3 cargo containers while operating from unimproved runways, according to a Merlin release on Sept. 14. [...] Cargo facts free newsletters.

STAT Media Group
Sep 17th, 2026
Textron, Merlin unveil autonomous SkyCourier concept.

Textron, Merlin unveil autonomous SkyCourier concept. Textron Aviation and Merlin have unveiled the SkyCourier UX concept, combining autonomous flight technology with the Cessna SkyCourier for military resupply and contested logistics operations. BySTAT Times | 17 Sept 2026 3:30 AM Textron Aviation, a Textron company, and Merlin have unveiled a concept Cessna SkyCourier UX aircraft combining the SkyCourier platform with Merlin's aircraft-agnostic autonomous aviation software. The concept was revealed at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference and is designed to explore a cost-efficient and scalable approach to logistics in contested operational environments. The aircraft concept aims to support the resupply of dispersed forces when traditional supply routes are constrained, vulnerable or unavailable. By integrating Merlin's autonomous aviation technology with the SkyCourier platform, the companies are examining how autonomous cargo operations could provide greater flexibility and resilience for military logistics. Bob Gibbs, vice president, Defense and Special Mission Sales, said, "Military planners are increasingly focused on how to sustain forces across distributed and contested operational environments. The Cessna SkyCourier UX concept reflects our commitment to examining practical solutions to real-world mission challenges by leveraging real, certified products with innovative adaptation." Addressing evolving sustainment requirement Introduced at the Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference, the SkyCourier UX concept addresses growing military interest in sustaining forces operating from dispersed locations and complex operational environments. Based on the twin-engine turboprop Cessna SkyCourier platform, the aircraft concept is designed to provide an additional option for transporting cargo and critical supplies across the final leg of military distribution networks. As defence organisations operate farther from traditional supply hubs and face increasing risks of disruption to established transportation routes, logistics resilience has become a growing focus. Recent trials involving autonomous and pilot-optional cargo aircraft, along with investments in autonomous resupply programmes, reflect increasing interest in distributed sustainment capabilities. The SkyCourier UX concept explores how a medium-payload, fixed-wing aircraft capable of autonomous flight could support these requirements through right-sized lift. The platform could provide commanders with additional cargo transport options while preserving larger mobility aircraft for higher-priority missions. Designed for cargo movement within a theatre of operations, the SkyCourier UX could also operate from unimproved runways, potentially supporting resupply missions when access to established infrastructure is limited or disrupted. Filling the gap between drones and airlifters The Cessna SkyCourier UX concept is positioned between small tactical cargo drones and larger military transport aircraft, targeting logistics missions that do not require the capacity of a heavy airlifter but exceed the payload capabilities of many autonomous cargo systems. Based on the Cessna SkyCourier platform, the concept combines autonomous take-off and landing with meaningful payload capacity, short-field performance and the flexibility to support intra-theatre distribution and expeditionary operations. The concept also examines how removing the onboard crew could enable new aircraft configurations specifically designed for cargo missions. One design under evaluation features a forward-loading architecture that replaces conventional cockpit space with additional cargo capacity and provides direct access through a large nose opening. Combined with the aircraft's kneeling capability and integrated loading systems, the proposed configuration is intended to improve cargo accessibility, increase usable volume and enable more efficient operations from austere locations. Merlin CEO and founder Matt George said the future of contested logistics will require greater cargo capacity and access to locations where deploying crewed aircraft may carry higher risks. He noted that Merlin Pilot has already completed hundreds of autonomous flights on aircraft including Cessna Caravans and Beechcraft King Airs. The company is now pairing its autonomous flight technology with the proven Cessna SkyCourier platform to explore aircraft designs centred on autonomy and cargo rather than onboard crews. George said combining established autonomy technology with a proven airframe could support the development of more resilient contested-logistics capabilities. Merlin's ongoing work will include engineering studies and evaluations aimed at building confidence in autonomous and pilot-optional resupply operations. Gibbs said the collaboration is also examining how autonomy could enable more efficient cargo aircraft configurations, including designs that increase usable cargo volume, improve cargo accessibility and support mission sustainment requirements. Leveraging a proven aircraft foundation As the concept is based on an FAA-certified aircraft already in production, the SkyCourier UX benefits from an established manufacturing system, global support network and mature sustainment infrastructure. This existing foundation could support the evaluation and future deployment of autonomous and pilot-optional logistics capabilities while leveraging established aerospace infrastructure and industrial capacity for scaled operations. Based on current design objectives, the Cessna SkyCourier UX light-lift aircraft is expected to carry approximately 6,000 pounds of payload, accommodate up to three LD3 cargo containers and operate from austere runways. Potential applications include hub-to-spoke distribution, resupply of expeditionary bases, transportation of critical repair parts, delivery of medical supplies and support for island and remote-airfield operations. A model of the Cessna SkyCourier UX concept will be displayed publicly for the first time at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Textron Aviation, a Textron company, brings together the Beechcraft and Cessna brands with nearly 100 years of aviation experience. Its portfolio spans business jets, turboprops, piston aircraft, special mission, military trainer and defence products. Merlin is an aerospace and defence technology company developing an autonomous flight operating system. Its technology is designed to enable full-stack autonomy across military and civilian aircraft, from take-off to landing. Textron Inc. is a diversified multi-industry company with businesses spanning aviation, defence, industrial and finance sectors. Its portfolio includes globally recognised brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Lycoming, Textron Systems, E-Z-GO and Kautex. The STAT Trade Times is now on WhatsApp Channels! Join Now!

AviationNews.eu
Sep 15th, 2026
Textron Aviation and Merlin unveil pilotless Cessna SkyCourier for military resupply missions.

Textron Aviation and Merlin unveil pilotless Cessna SkyCourier for military resupply missions. Posted By: Rob Vogelaar September 15, 2026 Aviation News - Textron Aviation and autonomous flight developer Merlin have unveiled the Cessna SkyCourier UX, a pilotless aircraft concept designed to transport military supplies when conventional routes become too dangerous or unavailable. The aircraft combines the proven twin-engine turboprop platform with Merlin Pilot autonomous flight technology, including autonomous takeoff and landing. The SkyCourier UX was introduced on September 14, 2026, during the Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The concept targets military logistics operations in environments where traditional air and ground supply routes could be disrupted by conflict, infrastructure damage or other operational threats. The development brings together the aircraft expertise of Textron Aviation with Merlin's work in autonomous flight systems. The Cessna SkyCourier was developed as a versatile twin-engine turboprop capable of carrying passengers or cargo, making its design suitable for missions that require flexible transportation of equipment and supplies. At the heart of the concept is the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight software, which is intended to allow the aircraft to operate without an onboard crew. The system would manage key phases of flight, including takeoff, flight operations and landing, potentially allowing military forces to move supplies without placing pilots directly into hazardous operating areas. The companies presented the SkyCourier UX as a way to increase the resilience of military logistics and provide an additional option when conventional supply routes are compromised. No direct company quotation was provided in the source material accompanying the announcement, but the concept clearly reflects the growing military interest in autonomous aviation and crewless cargo operations. The introduction of the SkyCourier UX marks another step toward integrating autonomous aircraft into military logistics. If the concept progresses toward operational development, crewless SkyCouriers could eventually support resupply missions in contested or remote areas while reducing risks to aircrews and increasing flexibility for military planners. The Cessna SkyCourier UX combines an established twin-engine turboprop aircraft with emerging autonomous flight technology. Its intended role is to maintain the movement of military supplies when conventional logistics networks are no longer reliable. The concept highlights the increasing importance of pilotless cargo aircraft in future military operations.

Shephard Media
Sep 15th, 2026
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX.

AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX. 15th September 2026 - 14:58 GMT | by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez in Washington, DC Swarm Aero's Gamera could be positioned for the US Air Force's future Massed Modular Aircraft programme. (Photo: author) Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space and Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities. * Most Viewed * Most Shared At the Air, Space and Cyber Conference outside Washington, DC, two uncrewed aircraft were announced: Swarm Aero's Gamera, a new category of Group 5 mass-strike uncrewed aerial system (UAS), and a concept Cessna SkyCourier UX aircraft jointly developed by Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs. In an exclusive conversation with Shephard ahead of the conference, Swarm Aero CEO Peter Kalogiannis confirmed: "We are building the [Gamera] prototype today. Our goal is to fly the prototype in 2027." "The prototype is coming together as we speak," he added. Kalogiannis believes Gamera "is a perfect fit for the US Air Force's Massed Modular Aircraft Its news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight(R) A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content. Wilder Alejandro Sanchez. Wilder Alejandro Sánchez is an analyst who covers defense & security, geopolitical, and trade issues... You may also like. You can customise your mailing preferences on the next page. * US Navy moves EA-18G Growler Block II electronic-attack upgrade into full-rate production A US$184.25 million contract for Next Generation Electronic Attack Units advances the Growler's modernisation as the US Navy confronts ageing systems, parts shortages and obsolescence. * Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds. * South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest Washington's search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base. * MAAF to test Britain's shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour. * Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity. * USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC The Grey Wolf has entered operational service nearly three years later than originally planned, while new sustainment contracts indicate that some UH-1Ns could remain supported until 2031.