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Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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.