Laser Engineer - Aetherflux : Job Details

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Current energy systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme weather, and physical and cyber attacks.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 Laser Engineer at Aetherflux will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing high-power laser systems for our satellites. This role requires expertise in laser physics, optical engineering, and space systems, with a strong focus on integrating lasers into a spaceborne environment. You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and systems engineers to push the boundaries of laser power beaming from space to Earth.

Responsibilities

• Laser System Design: Develop high-power laser systems tailored for satellite space applications, including fiber and semiconductor lasers.
• Optical Modeling & Simulation: Use optical design software to model and optimize laser power transmission.
• Component Selection & Integration: Compare and select laser components (optics, gain media, etc) and integrate them into a cohesive payload system.
• System Prototyping & Testing: Develop prototypes, perform lab validation, and measure system performance against design specs.
• Thermal Management: Work with thermal engineers to design cooling solutions to manage laser system stability and efficiency.
• Space Qualification & Reliability: Ensure laser systems meet spaceflight requirements (radiation resistance, TVAC performance, mechanical robustness, etc.)
• Innovation: Stay at the forefront of laser technology and industry trends, proposing novel approaches to improve efficiency and power density
• Documentation: Generate detailed design documentation, including design specs, test plans, analysis reports, and operational & safety procedures
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate laser systems with satellite power, control, and pointing mechanisms.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in laser engineering, including the design, development, and testing of high-power laser systems.
• Proficiency in optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, or COMSOL.
• Hands-on experience with high-powered lasers, including fiber or semiconductor lasers
• Strong knowledge of laser physics, beam control techniques, nonlinear optics, etc.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, beam profilers, and laser power meters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing laser systems for aerospace or space applications.
• Familiarity with space qualification processes, including environmental testing (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation).
• Experience in laser-based energy transmission, free-space optics, or laser communications.
• Knowledge of advanced thermal management techniques for high-power laser applications.
• Background in integrating laser systems with high-precision pointing and tracking mechanisms.
• 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.