Lead Welder, Pipe (Starship Launch Fabrication)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Lead Welder for its Starbase facility in South Texas, to lead welding teams and oversee multiple projects in stainless steel pipe welding. The role emphasizes quality oversight for SpaceX welders and contractors and requires coordinating daily work scopes.

Responsibilities include mentoring, status reporting, safety, and collaboration with engineering customers, materials, and QA teams. A strong background in welding procedures and licenses is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of pipe welding experience.
• 1+ years of structural welding experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and hands-on support to the welding team.
• Assist the supervisor with coaching, mentoring, and training team members.
• Communicate status updates and issues to leadership and customers.
• Support leadership in conflict de-escalation, adherence to company policies, and maintaining high standards for quality and throughput.
• Coordinate activities with materials management, fabrication technicians, quality control, and engineering customers.
• Partner with the welding supervisor and quality control to verify weld procedures, material types, and rod sizes.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations when details are not provided.
• Obtain and maintain all required licenses, operator permits, or certifications.
• Improve operations, reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and foster teamwork.
• Perform related duties to support an efficient work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Pipe welding

Stainless steel welding

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

Stainless steel pipe welding tools

Welding procedures

Metallurgy knowledge

Precision measuring instruments

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

LEAD WELDER, PIPE (STARSHIP LAUNCH FABRICATION)

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Welder for its Starbase facility in South Texas. This role demands proven leadership of welding teams of varying sizes, expertise in stainless steel pipe welding, and the capacity to oversee multiple projects. The Lead Welder will primarily coordinate daily work scopes while delivering quality oversight for SpaceX welders and contractors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide daily leadership and hands-on support to the welding team
• Assist the supervisor with coaching, mentoring, and training team members
• Communicate status updates and issues to leadership and customers
• Support leadership in conflict de-escalation, adherence to company policies, and maintaining high standards for quality and throughput
• Coordinate activities with support groups including materials management, fabrication technicians, quality control, and engineering customers
• Partner with the welding supervisor and quality control to verify the correct weld procedure, material type, and rod size for each project
• Review engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations when procedural details are not provided
• Obtain and maintain all required licenses, operator permits, or certifications
• Improve operations continuously, reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and foster cooperative teamwork
• Perform additional related duties as assigned to support an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 3+ years of pipe welding experience
• 1+ years of structural welding experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of metal fabrication experience
• 3+ years leading small/medium sized welding teams
• 1+ years of experience at a launch, test, or production site
• Strong knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements
• Familiarity with standard tools, materials, methods, and practices of the welding trade
• Understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals as they relate to welding
• Awareness of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions in the trade
• Knowledge of arc air procedures and equipment
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments
• Ability to quickly adapt roles and responsibilities in a fast-paced, high-challenge environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Anticipated hours for this position are Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Must be able to work overtime and weekend work based on site operational needs; flexibility is essential
• Must be able to work in extreme outdoor conditions including heat, cold, and rain
• Comfort performing work in environments with fumes, odors, and noise
• Valid driver's license
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 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 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 Aff...? Should reach out [e-mail].