Precision Pointing Engineer

MissionAetherflux'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.BackgroundAetherflux 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where traditional delivery is expensive, challenging, or dangerous.Current energy systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure, making them vulnerable to natural disasters, extreme weather, and physical and cyber attacks.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.OverviewThe Precision Pointing Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and optimization of satellite systems to achieve precise laser pointing and alignment. This role focuses on ensuring accurate positioning and stability of laser beams, which are critical for successful energy transmission from space to Earth. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including optical, mechanical, and systems engineers, to develop control algorithms, fine-tune system precision, and validate the pointing accuracy of our satellite platforms.ResponsibilitiesPointing Control System Design: Develop and implement pointing and control algorithms to achieve high-precision laser beam steering and alignment in space environments.Hardware and Software Integration: Work closely with electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate pointing control systems with satellite platforms, ensuring seamless coordination between hardware and control software.Precision Alignment: Design and test systems that ensure precise alignment of laser beams with ground-based receivers, taking into account environmental factors such as satellite motion, atmospheric distortion, and thermal effects.System Testing and Validation: Lead system-level testing and validation efforts, including lab simulations and in-orbit tests, to verify the pointing accuracy and stability of satellite laser systems.Performance Optimization: Conduct analysis to optimize system performance, improving beam precision and pointing accuracy while minimizing energy loss during transmission.Risk Management: Identify potential risks related to pointing precision, such as system misalignment or external disturbances, and implement mitigation strategies.Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure pointing and precision systems are fully integrated and perform reliably in the space environment.Documentation and Reviews: Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, system models, test plans, and validation reports. Participate in internal and customer design reviews.Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.3+ years of experience in control systems, pointing and tracking systems, or precision alignment technologies, ideally in aerospace or satellite applications.Proficiency in control system design and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink).Experience with high-precision mechanical systems and their integration with control electronics.Strong understanding of sensors, actuators, and feedback control loops used in precision pointing applications.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.Hands-on experience with space-based pointing systems, including laser beam steering or satellite-based communication systems.Experience with high-power laser systems and their application in space missions.Familiarity with satellite attitude control systems (ACS) and precision optics for space missions.Experience with environmental testing, including vibration, thermal-vacuum, and radiation testing.Knowledge of hardware-software integration for real-time control systems in aerospace applications.BenefitsEmployees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement savings planUnlimited paid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid leave for new parentsRelocation assistanceDisclaimerThis 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.

Created: 2025-02-21