Human Machine Interface (HMI) Software Engineer

Job Description

Job DescriptionAbout 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 passionate about interfaces for human-machine teaming, have an understanding of robotics and autonomous systems and want to make airplanes that fly themselves. You are familiar with aviation operations and what a modern flight deck looks like, but you enjoy pushing the boundaries and want to build novel autonomy-centric interfaces. You have experience developing and optimizing software, and an ability to move between storyboarding, prototyping, and production software development to bring new concepts to life. You’d like to make an impact on how humans interact with autonomous airborne systems ranging from Group 1 UAS through Part 25 transport category planes.Responsibilities:

• Develop HMIs using tools like GL Studio for creating high-performance, real-time graphical interfaces.

• Contribute to full stack software development that connects HMIs with Merlin’s autonomy software stack.

• Design HMIs using tools like Figma for rapid prototyping and user feedback.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, pilots, and software developers, to design and implement user interfaces for autonomous flight systems.

• Ensure interface designs meet aviation standards (e.g., ARINC 661, DO-178C, FAA/EASA guidelines) and are optimized for usability and performance.

• Explore emerging technologies (e.g., augmented reality, generative AI, LLMs, voice control) for human machine teaming applications.

• Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy.

Requirements:

• Degree in Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related subject.

• 1-2+ years of experience in HMI/UX/UI development, preferably in aviation, robotics, or other safety-critical industries such as medical devices.

• Proficiency in HMI development tools like GL Studio, Qt, or other interactive graphical interface platforms.

• Proficiency in software development using Python and C++.

• Experience with prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and usability testing processes.

• Ability to create HMIs that enhance situational awareness, reduce workload, and mitigate human error.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey design concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Haves:

• Strong understanding of aviation industry standards, such as ARINC 661, DO-178C, and FAA/EASA guidelines.

• Experience with avionics systems integration is a plus.

• Familiarity with DoD and commercial open architectures such as A-GRA, OMS, FACE, and IMA.

• Experience with flight testing (uncrewed or crewed aircraft).

• Understanding of aerodynamics.

• Pilot license and flight experience is a plus.

This position is based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, MA.
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.