Payload Integration Engineer

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Current energy systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme weather, and physical and cyber attacks.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 Payload Integration Engineer at Aetherflux will be responsible for the mechanical, electrical, and software integration of our high-power laser payload with satellite platforms. You will work closely with thermal, structural, electrical, software, and optical engineering teams to ensure successful integration, testing, and deployment of our satellites. Your work will directly contribute to the success of our space-based power beaming systems.

Responsibilities

Payload System Integration: Lead the mechanical, electrical, and software integration of high-power laser payloads with satellite buses, ensuring compatibility across all components and subsystems.

Assembly and Test Execution: Develop and execute integration and checkout procedures for satellite payloads, ground support equipment, and launch vehicle integration.

Process Optimization: Define and refine assembly flows and test operations for payload integration to improve efficiency and reliability.

Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis: Identify, analyze, and resolve hardware non-conformances, driving corrective actions.

Test Plan Development: Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and criteria to ensure reliable operation of payload systems.

Environmental Testing: Support environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) to qualify hardware for launch and space operations.

Hands-on Support: Work closely with technicians to oversee hands-on integration activities, ensuring precise execution.

Continuous Improvement: Assist in developing and refining design improvements based on integration lessons learned.

Collaboration: Interface with vendors, mission partners, and internal teams to coordinate system compatibility and performance validation.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering.

3+ years of experience with mechanical, electrical, or software integration of aerospace systems, such as satellites, UAVs, or launch vehicles.

Hands-on experience working with precision mechanical assemblies, avionics, or optical payloads.

Experience writing and executing test procedures for hardware validation.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD or Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.

5+ years of professional experience in spacecraft payload integration, launch vehicle integration, or related fields.

Experience with integration and test of high-power laser systems, optical payloads, or power beaming technologies.

Experience working in cleanroom environments and managing contamination control.

Knowledge of spacecraft electrical systems, including power distribution and command & telemetry interfaces.

Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and simulation software.

Familiarity with spacecraft test operations such as thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.

Experience working with government or commercial launch providers for payload integration.

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.