About the role
Senior Electrical Engineer, Radiation Effects & Avionics Reliability
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Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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 ot
hers.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 radiation effects and avionics reliability across spacecraft electrical systems—from early architecture through on-orbit oper
- ationsDefine radiation and reliability requirements, translating mission environments into component- and system-level specific
- ationsPlan and execute radiation test campaigns (heavy ion, proton, gamma/TID) for components including FPGAs, ASICs, power electronics, and COTS
- partsCharacterize and analyze Single Event Effects (SEE), Total Ionizing Dose (TID), and displacement damage; document results and drive design dec
- isionsDevelop and implement avionics reliability strategies, including redundancy, fault detection/isolation/recovery (FDIR), derating, and robustness in degraded
- modesDesign and implement mitigation techniques (e.g., ECC, watchdogs, latch-up protection, shielding) at both component and system
- levelsPerform reliability analyses such as FMEA/FMECA, fault tree analysis (FTA), and worst-case circuit analysis
- (WCCA)Establish and maintain approved parts lists (APL) with a focus on radiation performance, reliability, and supply chain consider
- ationsModel radiation environments for LEO missions and conduct system-level risk assessments and margin an
- alysesPartner cross-functionally with avionics, hardware, and software teams to ensure resilient, fault-tolerant system archite
- cturesDrive radiation assurance and reliability processes across the full lifecycle—from design and qualification through launch and on-orbit oper
- ationsInterface with external labs and vendors to scope, execute, and validate radiation and reliability testing under aggressive timelines.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 4+ years of experience in radiation effects, avionics reliability, or high-reliability electronics
- Hands-on experience with radiation testing (SEE, TID) and familiarity with test methodologies and data analysis
- Experience with reliability engineering methods (e.g., FMEA/FMECA, FTA)
- Strong understanding of electronic components (FPGAs, ASICs, power systems, mixed-signal circuits) and failure mechanisms in harsh environments
- Ability to translate test and analysis results into actionable design and system-level improvements
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or relate field
- Experience designing, qualifying, or supporting spaceflight hardware (LEO, MEO, GEO, or deep space)
- Deep expertise in Single Event Effects (SEU, SEL, SET) and practical mitigation techniques in digital and power systems
- Familiarity with radiation environment and analysis tools (e.g., SPENVIS, OMERE, NOVICE) and standards (e.g., NASA, MIL - STD)
- Experience with rad-hard or rad-tolerant design, component derating, and system-level trade studies under mass/power constraints
- Background working in fast-paced, high-reliability environments with tight iteration cycles (e.g., aerospace, defense, advanced hardware startups
- Proven ability to take ownership of ambiguous problems and drive cross-functional engineering decisions
Compensation and Benefits
$120k - $175k per year
- Equity in Aetherflux
- Aetherflux Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision
insurance401(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
DisclaimerThis 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
RequirementTo 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.