NDE Inspector (Starship)

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an NDE Inspector (Starship) to perform surface and volumetric inspections across Starship components. You will interpret findings, report to production and engineering, and review drawings to ensure quality.

The role includes developing inspection techniques for complex geometries and supporting R&D and team training efforts. Required: high school diploma and NDE Level II certification per ASNT NAS-410/DOD guidance in multiple methods; aerospace experience is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• NDE Level II certification per ASNT NAS-410/DOD guidance in listed methods is required or preferred.
• Experience in aerospace NDE is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform surface and volumetric NDE inspections.
• Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to teams.
• Review engineering drawings as needed.
• Develop NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries.
• Assist in training and developing others on the team.

Skills

NDE experience

Aerospace industry

Lean principles

Problem solving (PPS, 8D)

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

NDE Level II certification (ASNT NAS-410 DOD)

Tools

UTEX InspectionWare

NASA 5009 standards

AMS/AWS/ASME/ASTM standards

MS Office

Job description

NDE INSPECTOR (STARSHIP)

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.

The NDE Operations organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, inter‑disciplinary team that is committed to providing high quality inspections of flight components and production assemblies.

The breadth of exposure as an NDE Inspector is immense, as the organization is responsible for a large diversity of inspection types across Starship. You will have the ability to engage with the process to provide continuous improvement to execute on the mission to make humanity interplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform surface and volumetric NDE inspections
• Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams
• Interpret and review engineering drawings as required
• Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries
• Support research and development of system qualification and certification for critical processes
• Assist in training and developing others on the team

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS‑410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Additional nondestructive evaluation Level II or III certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS‑410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
• Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments
• 2+ years of experience as a level II nondestructive evaluation/testing inspector
• Experience performing NDE testing within the aerospace industry
• American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
• Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high strength aluminum alloys, precipitation hardened steels, inconel, monel, titanium, and maraging steel (super alloys)
• Knowledge of UTEX InspectionWare software or equivalent
• Knowledge of NASA 5009 standards
• Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM, standards
• Experience with problem solving tools and techniques including: practical problem solving (PPS), and eight disciplines (8D)
• Basic understanding of Lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiative

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs unassisted, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk
• Must be willing to work overtime and on weekends to meet critical deadlines if needed
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75 lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
• Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50 lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 6 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day
• Upper body twist: up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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 affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].