People Operations Lead
People Operations Lead
About Aetherflux
Mission
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: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport.
Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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 revolutionize 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 military bases.
Baiju Bhatt founded Aetherflux in 2024. 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 the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head of People to build and lead the People function during a critical scale-up phase. You will report to the COO/CLO, and be both a strategic partner to the executive team and a hands-on builder who designs systems that attract, develop, and retain world-class talent in a highly technical, mission-driven environment. This is an in-person role at our San Carlos, CA HQ.
Responsibilities
Design and implement scalable HR systems, policies, and processes, including compliant multi-state HR operations
Design organizational structure to support the company’s hyper-growth plans
Lead workforce planning aligned with technical and manufacturing roadmaps
Partner with technical leaders to build structured recruiting processes for highly specialized talent across hardware, software, and operations
Develop performance management frameworks suitable for employees across all functions
Develop university pipeline strategies; execute summer internship program to attract and retain top collegiate talent
Shape a culture that balances startup velocity with aerospace-grade rigor
Coach managers and develop leadership capabilities within the organization’s existing employee base
Design competitive cash and equity compensation strategies appropriate for our stage of development, including leveling frameworks
Oversee benefits strategy, performance cycles, and promotion processes
Ensure compliance across employment law, government contracts, and export control environments
Build scalable HR governance practices
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
10+ years of experience in HR, including leadership roles
Proven track record of scaling a high-growth startup, including building HR systems from the ground up
Strong understanding of equity design and compensation strategy
Comfortable operating hands-on in an early stage environment
Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
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 information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.