Founding Supply Chain Procurement
Founding Supply Chain Procurement
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Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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
The Head of Supply Chain / Procurement will own the strategy, build-out, and execution of the company’s global supply chain across satellite production, payload systems, avionics, propulsion, structures, and ground segment hardware. You will architect procurement processes, manage supplier partnerships, mitigate risk across long-lead and space-qualified components, and enable the company to scale from low-rate production to repeatable satellite manufacturing. This leader will report to the COO/CLO, but work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance to ensure cost, quality, and delivery objectives are achieved. This is an in-person role at our San Carlos, CA HQ.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a scalable supply chain strategy aligned with production and launch cadence
Build and lead procurement, sourcing, planning, and supplier quality teams
Establish KPIs across cost, delivery, quality, and inventory performance
Source and negotiate contracts for space-grade components (radiation-hardened electronics, propulsion systems, solar arrays, structures, payloads, etc.)
Manage long-lead and single-source suppliers with proactive risk mitigation
Lead make vs. buy analysis and cost modeling
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and favorable commercial terms
Implement robust RFQ and supplier selection processes
Develop strategic supplier partnerships globally; establish supplier performance scorecards and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure organizational compliance with aerospace standards and regulations (ITAR/EAR)
Build forecasting and demand planning processes aligned with satellite build schedule
Optimize inventory levels while managing long-lead components
Implement ERP/MRP systems to support scaling production
Ensure materials readiness for integration and launch milestones
Identify and mitigate supply risks including obsolescence and allocation
Support traceability and documentation for mission assurance
Build contingency plans for critical components
Drive cost-down initiatives across the bill of materials, while improving working capital efficiency
Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and margin analysis
Basic Qualifications
10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations
Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, automotive, or other complex hardware industries
Proven track record scaling supply chains in a high-growth manufacturing environment
Strong contract negotiation and supplier management expertise
Experience managing long-lead and regulated components
Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with space-qualified components and satellite manufacturing, experience implementing ERP/MRP systems, and knowledge of global trade compliance and export regulations
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.