Power Avionics Engineer

Power Avionics Engineer

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are tackling one of humanity’s most complex engineering challenges 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.

Background

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: powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), providing secure, high-bandwidth optical data transport, and delivering energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space).

Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, development, and validation of spacecraft power avionics systems from concept through flight

• Architect and implement power distribution systems, including power management, conversion, and regulation for spacecraft subsystems

• Design and analyze DC-DC converters, battery management systems (BMS), and power control electronics for high-reliability environments

• Develop and execute test plans for power systems, including functional, environmental, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing

• Perform system-level analysis of power budgets, efficiency, thermal performance, and fault conditions

• Implement protection and fault management strategies (overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit, latch-up protection)

• Partner closely with structures, thermal, software, and payload teams to ensure seamless integration of power systems

• Support board bring-up, integration, and debugging of power electronics in lab and flight environments

• Investigate anomalies and drive root cause analysis to improve system robustness and reliability

• Support vehicle integration, pre-flight testing, and on-orbit performance analysis

Basic Qualifications

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

• 4+ years of experience designing or testing power electronics or avionics systems

• Strong understanding of power electronics fundamentals (DC-DC conversion, control systems, power distribution)

• Experience with schematic capture, PCB design, and board bring-up

• Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads) and debugging techniques

• Experience working in high-reliability or hardware-focused environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing power systems for spacecraft, aerospace, or other harsh environments

• Familiarity with battery systems, solar arrays, and energy storage technologies

• Experience with radiation-tolerant design and component selection

• Knowledge of thermal management and its interaction with power electronics

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system integration

• Familiarity with FPGA or embedded systems as they relate to power control and monitoring

• Experience with reliability analysis (FMEA/FMECA, derating, fault tolerance)

• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-ownership environments with aggressive timelines

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.