Lead Structural Welder (Stage 0 Propellant Systems) - Night Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP seeks a Lead Structural Welder for the night shift at Starbase. This role involves leading a welding team, coordinating welding projects, and ensuring high-quality work standards. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of structural welding experience, along with skills in metal fabrication and leadership.

The position requires strong knowledge of welding techniques, safety protocols, and the ability to work in demanding environments. Must be U.S. citizen or eligible to obtain required authorizations.

Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years of structural welding experience.
• Experience leading small weld teams is preferred.
• Knowledge of welding techniques and metallurgy is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and offer support to the welding team.
• Coordinate work with support groups and analyze engineering drawings.
• Complete welding assignments for site structural stands.

Skills

Structural welding

Metal fabrication

Leadership

Pipe welding

Safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Job description

Lead Structural Welder (Stage 0 Propellant Systems) - Night Shift

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.

We are currently seeking individuals to fill a lead welder position at our Starbase launch site. This position requires skill in a specialized trade to complete welding requirements and operational needs. The position is responsible for welding piping, structural steel, and other facility equipment and infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and offer daily support to the welding team
• Orient new team members; assist in assigning and reassigning tasks; assist in scheduling daily work assignments; and assist others on work procedures and ensure the performance standards are met
• Assist the supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members
• Report status and issues to leadership and customers
• Support leadership in de‑escalation of conflict, following company policies, and setting and enforcing a high bar for quality and throughput
• Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site structural stands on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Coordinate work with support groups such as flight control, other fabrication and civil organizations, and engineering
• Collaborate with the welding lead coordinator to ensure that the proper weld procedure, type of material, and rod size are accurately assessed for each welding project
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Obtain and maintain 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
• 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
• 5+ years of structural welding experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of metal fabrication experience
• 3+ years leading small weld teams
• 3+ years of pipe welding experience
• 1+ years of experience working at a launch, test, or production site
• Knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements
• Knowledge of ferrous and non‑ferrous metals in relation to welding and brazing
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Knowledge of arc air procedures and equipment
• Experience with standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Experience with precision measuring instruments
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work the following shift: night shift 6:00 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., Monday – Friday
• Must be available for overtime and weekends, depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Must be able to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Must be able to work on ladders and lifts at elevated heights up to 300 feet with appropriate safety equipment
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments, including heat, cold, and rain
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Valid driver’s license
• Stand: up to 10 hours per day; Sit: up to 10 hours per day; Push/Pull: up to 75 lbs unassisted between 1–2 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 1–2 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°F for 6 hours or more per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights up to 300 feet, 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
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR.

EEO STATEMENT

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.