Launch Pad Technician (Fabrication)

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Launch Pad Technician (Fabrication) to join our Starbase team in Texas. You will perform welding, fabrication, and assembly of large structural forms to support Starship testing campaigns.

You will read engineering drawings, ensure safety, and maintain certifications while working in a fast-paced, high-hazard environment at a leading aerospace facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• 2+ years welding experience in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW or FCAW (college welding program counts).
• Experience with welding fabrication and reading basic blueprints is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction and repair of site structures, on time and safely.
• Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects and fabricate components to required dimensions.
• Analyze engineering drawings to plan welding operations where procedures are unavailable.
• Weld metal components to assemble structural forms using hand tools and flame-cutting equipment.
• Visually inspect welds per AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 with proper training.
• Obtain and maintain required internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications.

Skills

Welding

Fabrication

Reading drawings

Safety compliance

Heavy equipment operation

Quality inspection

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SMAW

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

LAUNCH PAD TECHNICIAN (FABRICATION)

Launch pad technicians at Starbase, TX, will work to build, maintain, and upgrade structural and/or fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing campaigns. This technician will work with an elite team of other fabricators to rapidly build and weld the large assemblies that will contribute to Starship & Super Heavy vehicle testing at our South Texas facility.

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site structural stands on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects, fit and fabricate metal components to dimensions for building and assembling test site structural forms
• Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Utilize hand welding and flame-cutting equipment to weld together metal components and parts to assemble structural forms
• Ability to visually inspect own welds per American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 (normal and high-pressure service) with proper training
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly
• Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities based on program needs
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience with at least one of the following: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) (experience from a college welding program qualifies)

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 5+ years of experience in one of the following processes: FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW
• Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fabricate and weld carbon structure, carbon pipe, and stainless pipe
• Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Experience in overhead cranes and forklifts
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work multiple shifts and change shifts with minimal notice; flexibility required
• Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand-over-hand
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 10 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 10 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

Itar Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].