Founding Supply Chain Procurement

Founding Supply Chain ProcurementAbout 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Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure.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.