Aetherflux is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Aetherflux is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
The RoleAs a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and building the physical systems that enable our spacecraft to operate reliably in space. You will own critical hardware from concept through flight, working across structures, mechanisms, thermal systems, and packaging to deliver high-performance, flight-ready designs.
This is a hands-on role at the center of hardware development. You will work closely with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software teams to design integrated systems, rapidly prototype, and validate through testing. You’ll be expected to move quickly, iterate often, and take ownership of hardware that directly impacts mission success.
ResponsibilitiesOwn mechanical design of spacecraft components and assemblies from concept through production
Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and thermal solutions for space environments
Develop and maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and release processes
Perform analysis including FEA, thermal, and tolerance stack-ups to validate designs
Drive rapid prototyping, build, and test cycles to accelerate hardware development
Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software engineering teams
Support integration, environmental testing, and launch readiness activities
Troubleshoot hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements
Work with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure high-quality, scalable production
Balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule in design decisions
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace or high-performance hardware
Experience taking hardware from concept through build and test
Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and thermal systems
Proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
Experience working in fast-paced, hardware-focused development environments
Experience designing for space environments (thermal, vibration, vacuum)
Background in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or thermal systems
Experience with FEA and/or thermal analysis tools
Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or test setups
Experience working at a high-growth or early-stage hardware company
Familiarity with integration, environmental testing, or launch operations
Equity in Aetherflux
Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability and life insurance for employees
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid time off
10 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid leave for new parents
Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Aetherflux’s discretion.
Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Aetherflux is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Aetherflux is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.
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.
