Head of Compute Hardware

Aetherflux • San Carlos, CA

2d

About The Position

We are looking for a Head of Compute Hardware to lead the architecture, design, and development of our space-based compute platforms. This role will own the end-to-end hardware strategy for onboard compute systems that enable scaled on orbit compute.
You will define and build systems that operate in power-constrained, thermally challenging, and radiation-exposed environments, working closely with software, spacecraft, and mission teams to deliver robust, high-performance compute infrastructure.
This is a critical leadership role with significant ownership over system architecture, team building, and execution.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in hardware engineering, with a focus on compute systems or high-performance electronics
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Experience designing and shipping complex hardware systems (e.g., compute platforms, embedded systems, or high-performance electronics)
• Strong background in one or more of the following: Embedded systems or avionics High-performance computing (HPC) systems FPGA, ASIC, or GPU-based systems Distributed or edge compute systems
• Experience leading technical projects or small teams, with increasing scope and ownership
• Strong understanding of system architecture and hardware/software co-design

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing compute systems for space, aerospace, or other high-reliability environments
• Familiarity with radiation effects and mitigation strategies (e.g., rad-hard/rad-tolerant design)
• Experience optimizing systems for SWaP constraints (Size, Weight, and Power)
• Experience with high-speed interconnects, memory systems, and data pipelines
• Familiarity with AI/ML accelerators or specialized compute architectures for edge environments
• Experience working with real-time systems and low-latency processing requirements
• Experience building and scaling engineering teams in a startup or high-growth environment
• Proven track record of delivering complex hardware systems from concept to production
• Experience working on mission-critical or safety-critical systems with rigorous validation processes
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience working with software, spacecraft, and systems engineering teams
• Passion for space systems, energy infrastructure, and building novel compute platforms in orbit

Responsibilities

• Define the technical vision and roadmap for onboard compute hardware across spacecraft platforms
• Lead the design and development of high-performance, radiation-tolerant compute systems
• Own system architecture decisions across processors, accelerators, memory, interconnects, and I/O
• Build and lead a team of hardware engineers, setting technical direction and execution standards
• Drive end-to-end development from concept through design, prototyping, validation, and production
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, GNC, RF, and spacecraft teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Optimize systems for power efficiency, thermal constraints, and reliability in space environments
• Establish testing, validation, and qualification strategies for compute hardware
• Guide vendor selection and external partnerships for components and manufacturing
• Participate in system-level trade studies to balance performance, cost, mass, and power
• Represent compute hardware in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and executive-level discussions

Benefits

• Equity in Aetherflux
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid leave for new parents
• Relocation assistance
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive