Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Job Description

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Aetherflux is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and building the physical systems that enable our spacecraft to operate reliably in space. You will own critical hardware from concept through flight, working across structures, mechanisms, thermal systems, and packaging to deliver high-performance, flight-ready designs.

This is a hands-on role at the center of hardware development. You will work closely with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software teams to design integrated systems, rapidly prototype, and validate through testing. You'll be expected to move quickly, iterate often, and take ownership of hardware that directly impacts mission success.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of spacecraft components and assemblies from concept through production
• Design and develop structures, mechanisms, and thermal solutions for space environments
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, drawings, and release processes
• Perform analysis including FEA, thermal, and tolerance stack-ups to validate designs
• Drive rapid prototyping, build, and test cycles to accelerate hardware development
• Collaborate cross-functionally with propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, and software engineering teams
• Support integration, environmental testing, and launch readiness activities
• Troubleshoot hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure high-quality, scalable production
• Balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule in design decisions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for aerospace or high-performance hardware
• Experience taking hardware from concept through build and test
• Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, and thermal systems
• Proficiency with CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Experience working in fast-paced, hardware-focused development environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing for space environments (thermal, vibration, vacuum)
• Background in spacecraft structures, mechanisms, or thermal systems
• Experience with FEA and/or thermal analysis tools
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or test setups
• Experience working at a high-growth or early-stage hardware company
• Familiarity with integration, environmental testing, or launch operations

Benefits

• Equity in Aetherflux
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability and life insurance for employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid leave for new parents
• 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