Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN) appointed Michael Baker as Chief Marketing Officer, the aerospace and defense technology company announced. Baker brings nearly 15 years of experience in brand, content, and communications programs at technology companies.

Baker joins Merlin from 3D printing company Formlabs, where he served for nearly six years as Global Head of Brand and Communications. He previously worked as a marketing director at Lola.com and held other senior content and communications roles.

At Merlin, Baker will lead brand and marketing initiatives as the company scales its Merlin Pilot system across defense and civil aviation programs worldwide. The company develops what it describes as an operating system for autonomous flight.

"As a newly publicly traded company, clearly communicating our mission, progress, and long term vision for autonomous aviation has never been more important," said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin.

Baker stated that autonomous flight represents one of the most significant technological transitions occurring today. "What drew me to Merlin is the same thing I've always been drawn to: technology that has to work in the real world, under real pressure, with real stakes," he said.

According to the company, Merlin has completed hundreds of autonomous flights from test facilities globally and holds more than $100 million in awarded contracts from military customers. The Merlin Pilot system is designed to provide autonomy for various aircraft types, both military and civilian.