Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.
Optical Engineer
As an Optical Engineer at Aetherflux, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, and integrating optical systems for space-based laser platforms. This role requires expertise in laser system design, optical simulation, and the integration of optical components into highly engineered satellite structures. You will work on innovative technologies to optimize the performance of laser systems under the challenging conditions of space.
Responsibilities
Optical System Design: Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to design, simulate, and optimize optical systems for laser-based satellite platforms.
Lens & Detector Systems: Design lens systems, calculate focal lengths, and analyze lens parameters. Work with CCD and/or CMOS sensors to capture images and evaluate performance at the focal plane.
Laser System Design & Integration: Design and model laser systems, including solid-state, fiber, or semiconductor lasers, and integrate them with mechanical structures for space deployment.
Nonlinear Optical Systems: Characterize and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems, including laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical materials.
Remote Sensing & Beam Propagation: Contribute to the development of laser-based remote sensing technologies such as laser radar, radiometry, and beam propagation.
System Prototyping & Testing: Lead the development, assembly, and characterization of laser and optical systems. Conduct lab testing to validate system designs and ensure they meet performance specifications.
Mechanical Integration: Work closely with the mechanical engineering team to design and integrate opto-mechanical systems for satellite platforms, ensuring that optical components can withstand the rigors of space.
Trade Studies & Optimization: Perform design trade studies to optimize system performance, cost, weight, and size for both the optical and mechanical aspects of laser systems.
System Validation: Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation tests, to validate the durability of the systems in space environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.
2+ years of experience in optical, electro-optical, or laser system design and development.
Experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V) for lens and laser system design.
Understanding of CCD/CMOS sensor technology and image capture at the focal plane.
Knowledge of laser types, including gas, solid-state, fiber, and semiconductor lasers.
Hands-on experience with laser system prototyping, testing, and characterization.
Familiarity with laboratory test equipment such as oscilloscopes, laser beam analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and laser drive electronics.
Experience with numerical analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python for analyzing optical and laser system performance.
Experience with integrating optical systems into mechanical structures, particularly in space applications.
Strong understanding of laser system failure analysis and troubleshooting.
Previous experience working in a professional or academic lab environment, conducting experiments and testing.
Experience with space-qualified laser and optical systems design, assembly, and verification.
Experience working in cross-functional teams with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineers to deliver high-performance laser and optical systems.
Top Skills
What We Do
Aetherflux's mission is to deliver energy to planet Earth. Our work will make energy more accessible, establish American energy independence, power underdeveloped and disaster-stricken areas, and protect American warfighters. Aetherflux is building a modern approach to space-based solar power. Our constellation of satellites will collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit, convert it to electricity, and transmit power through infrared lasers to ground stations, providing reliable energy access where traditional delivery is expensive, challenging, or dangerous. Current energy systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme weather, and physical and cyber attacks. Aetherflux overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable 24-hour energy distribution from space. This can revolutionize energy generation and delivery, and enable new capabilities as we deliver power to remote regions, military bases, bespoke operations, and unmanned autonomous systems. Baiju Bhatt, who also co-founded Robinhood, founded Aetherflux in 2024. Inspired by his father’s career at NASA, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before starting Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system. Aetherflux is currently self-funded through a $10 million investment from Baiju. This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Aetherflux’s team has worked at places like Robinhood, SpaceX, NASA, Anduril, and the U.S. Navy, and is based in San Carlos, California. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.
