Job Description

Mission

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.

Background

Aetherflux is taking a new approach to an old idea called space 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Current energy systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme weather, and physical and cyber attacks.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, JPL, and the U.S. Navy, and is based in San Carlos, CA. 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.

Overview

The Electro-Optical Engineer at Aetherflux will develop cutting-edge optical systems for high-power laser-based space applications. This role involves designing optical components for infrared laser power transmission, developing free-space optical communication systems, and integrating photonic components into our satellite platform. The ideal candidate will have expertise in optics, laser systems, and electro-optical system development with a strong background in system modeling, testing, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Optical System Design: Develop high-precision optical components and systems for laser-based power transmission and optical communications.
• Beam Control & Pointing: Design and implement beam steering, wavefront correction, and adaptive optics solutions for precise energy delivery.
• Optical Modeling & Simulation: Utilize tools such as Zemax, Code V, or COMSOL to simulate and optimize optical system performance.
• Component Integration: Select and integrate photonic components, including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, fiber optics, and photodetectors.
• Testing & Validation: Develop laboratory experiments and test setups to validate system performance, including thermal, vibration, and radiation testing.
• Sensor Development: Work with imaging and sensing technologies for feedback control, alignment, and real-time monitoring of laser power transmission.
• Flight Hardware Development: Support the design, assembly, and qualification of optical payloads for spaceflight missions.
• Innovation: Stay up to date with advancements in photonics, laser communications, and space optics to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of optical systems into spacecraft platforms.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in electro-optical system design, laser optics, or photonics.
• Proficiency in optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, Code V, or COMSOL.
• Hands-on experience with free-space optics, fiber optics, and laser alignment techniques.
• Strong understanding of wave optics, diffraction theory, and laser beam propagation.
• Experience with laboratory optical testing and measurement techniques, including interferometry and beam profiling.
• Knowledge of infrared laser systems and high-power optical components.
• Familiarity with optomechanical system integration and alignment methodologies.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data analysis and automation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing electro-optical systems for aerospace or defense applications.
• Experience with laser communication systems and high-speed optical data transmission.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on optical systems and spaceflight qualification processes.
• Experience with adaptive optics and wavefront sensing techniques.
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration processes and environmental testing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to system prototyping and validation.

Benefits

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Unlimited paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid leave for new parents
• Relocation assistance

Disclaimer

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.

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.

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