Program Planning & Control Lead

Boston
Program Management – Program Management /
Full Time /
Hybrid
About Us: 
Merlin is an early-stage autonomy company, building software to control sophisticated transportation systems. Our mission here at Merlin Labs is to develop hardware and software solutions that deliver the capability for aircraft to fly useful missions autonomously and safely. Our first product will be a certified system to bring automation to existing fixed wing aircraft. 

We’re backed by some of the top institutional venture capitalists in the country, our headquarters are located in Boston with hubs in Denver, Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert. Come join our diverse, world class team, made up of people from places like Google, Airbus, Boeing, UTC, the US Navy, and the US Air Force.

About You: 
As a project coordinator/specialist, you will be joining our dynamic and growing Programs team. At Merlin Labs, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, and your role will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of this ambitious project. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams of engineers, researchers, and aviation experts to deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine the future of flight. If you're passionate about technology, aviation, and making a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, join us on our mission to transform the future of aviation. 

As the Program Planning & Control lead at Merlin Labs, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of our projects by maintaining accurate and up-to-date integrated projects cost and schedule. You will work closely with project teams across the organization to coordinate efforts, track progress, and identify potential risks or issues that could impact project timelines.

Responsibilities:

    • Work closely with the Program team and other stakeholders to define requirements for scalable program control and tracking, design and test the solution, integrate and continuously optimize processes and tools.
    • Monitor and report status on cost, schedule and deliveries across the portfolio of internally and externally funded projects.
    • Leads development and preparation of formal project-level Integrated Master Schedule using Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Statement of Work (SOW).
    • Lead development of resource management across the programs and projects at Merlin.
    • Manage and track project progress against baseline budget and schedules, identify variances and work with TPMS to develop corrective actions and mitigations measures.
    • Obtains, analyzes, and incorporates monthly status information and prepares accompanying narrative reports.
    • Develop metrics and reports to track project progress and identify areas for improvement.
    • Lead the schedule effort for the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) on programs.
    • Create High Level Schedule Charts for Internal Program Reviews.
    • Perform Driving Path Analysis, Critical Path Analysis, Schedule Risk Analysis, and Schedule Metric Analysis
    • Perform what-if type scenarios for the schedules as issues arise; i.e. analyze funding constraints and program impacts across the portfolio.
    • Perform scheduling status reviews and conduct briefings with senior leaders, which requires ability to communicate matters of importance to the function or business area.
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent demanding deadlines.
    • Coordinate with project teams to ensure timely updates and alignment with project goals.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of projects.
    • Foster effective communication and coordination among team members.
    • Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications:

    • 5+ years of establishing, maintaining program baselines for schedule and cost.
    • Expertise with project management tools; Atlassian and Microsoft tools
    • Previous experience with implementing tools by understanding the technical, operational and business needs.
    • Extremely organized and detail-oriented
    • Excellent communication skills
    • Ability to obtain a security clearance
    • Highly organized and self-sufficient
    • Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional organizations
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite

Nice to Haves:

    • Current U.S. Security Clearance
    • Experience with aviation integration projects
    • Experience with Microsoft PowerBI
    • Experience in software development projects
    • Experience in the aviation industry
    • Data-driven approach to problem-solving
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, export control and reference checks. 

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.