Head of Compute Hardware

Aetherflux is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high-bandwidth optical data transport.

Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Aetherflux overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will fundamentally change how we operate in orbit and on Earth—supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base, ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) operations, remote regions, and mission-critical environments.

Aetherflux was founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt. Inspired by his father’s work with NASA Langley Research Center, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before co-founding Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system.

Aetherflux has raised $90 million from Index Ventures, Interlagos, Construct Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and others.

This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Aetherflux’s team has worked at places like SpaceX, Astranis, NASA, Anduril, and the U.S. Navy, and is based in San Carlos, CA. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build a generational energy and infrastructure company, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a Head of Compute Hardware to lead the architecture, design, and development of our space-based compute platforms. This role will own the end-to-end hardware strategy for onboard compute systems that enable scaled on orbit compute.

You will define and build systems that operate in power-constrained, thermally challenging, and radiation-exposed environments, working closely with software, spacecraft, and mission teams to deliver robust, high-performance compute infrastructure.

This is a critical leadership role with significant ownership over system architecture, team building, and execution.

• Define the technical vision and roadmap for onboard compute hardware across spacecraft platforms

• Lead the design and development of high-performance, radiation-tolerant compute systems

• Own system architecture decisions across processors, accelerators, memory, interconnects, and I/O

• Build and lead a team of hardware engineers, setting technical direction and execution standards

• Drive end-to-end development from concept through design, prototyping, validation, and production

• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, GNC, RF, and spacecraft teams to ensure seamless system integration

• Optimize systems for power efficiency, thermal constraints, and reliability in space environments

• Establish testing, validation, and qualification strategies for compute hardware

• Guide vendor selection and external partnerships for components and manufacturing

• Participate in system-level trade studies to balance performance, cost, mass, and power

• Represent compute hardware in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and executive-level discussions
  

• 10+ years of experience in hardware engineering, with a focus on compute systems or high-performance electronics

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

• Experience designing and shipping complex hardware systems (e.g., compute platforms, embedded systems, or high-performance electronics)

• Strong background in one or more of the following:

  • Embedded systems or avionics

  • High-performance computing (HPC) systems

  • FPGA, ASIC, or GPU-based systems

  • Distributed or edge compute systems

• Experience leading technical projects or small teams, with increasing scope and ownership

• Strong understanding of system architecture and hardware/software co-design

• Experience designing compute systems for space, aerospace, or other high-reliability environments

• Familiarity with radiation effects and mitigation strategies (e.g., rad-hard/rad-tolerant design)

• Experience optimizing systems for SWaP constraints (Size, Weight, and Power)

• Experience with high-speed interconnects, memory systems, and data pipelines

• Familiarity with AI/ML accelerators or specialized compute architectures for edge environments

• Experience working with real-time systems and low-latency processing requirements

• Experience building and scaling engineering teams in a startup or high-growth environment

• Proven track record of delivering complex hardware systems from concept to production

• Experience working on mission-critical or safety-critical systems with rigorous validation processes

• Strong cross-functional leadership experience working with software, spacecraft, and systems engineering teams

• Passion for space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel compute platforms in orbit

Benefits

• Equity in Aetherflux

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid leave for new parents

• Relocation assistance

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

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.

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.