Pipe Welder, Stage 0 Ground Fabriciation (Starship) - Night Shift

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Pipe Welder for Stage 0 Ground Fabrication (Starship) to perform precision pipe welds on stainless piping systems at Starbase, TX. You will follow engineering drawings, operate GTAW/GMAW, and work under a lead welder to ensure high-integrity welds for launch readiness.

The role requires ASME B31.3 familiarity, licenses as needed, and the ability to work nights in a high-demand, safety-focused environment. Expect overtime and varied site conditions.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience welding stainless steel pipe using GTAW or GMAW.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Fit and weld complex stainless steel piping systems.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to plan welding operations.
• Inspect welds per ASME B31.3 with proper training.
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses or certifications as required.
• Contribute to process improvements and efficiency.
• Adapt to fast-paced, changing priorities on site.
• Perform other related duties as needed to ensure safety and efficiency.

Skills

GTAW

GMAW

Stainless steel pipe

ASME B31.3 knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tools

FCAW-G

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.

PIPE WELDER, STAGE 0 GROUND FABRICATION (STARSHIP) - NIGHT SHIFT

Join an elite team of pipe fitters and welders at Starbase, TX. As a stage 0 ground support equipment (GSE) pipe welder, you’ll be directly responsible for executing precision fits and high-integrity welds on complex GSE pipe systems that directly enable vehicle testing and historic Starship flights from the Texas coast.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fit and weld complex stainless steel piping systems using various welding processes (manual and semi-automatic) for launch and test sites
• Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Ability to visually inspect per 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 using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or gas metal arc welding (GMAW - STT/RMD) on stainless steel pipe

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience using GTAW, GMAW (STT/RMD), or FCAW-G on stainless steel piping systems
• 2+ years experience on duplex stainless steel (any process)
• 3+ years of pipe fitting experience
• 3+ years of blueprint/isometric drawing reading experience directly relating to pipe systems
• Knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, AWS/ASME codes, and engineering requirements
• Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in relation to welding
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Experience with precision measuring instruments such as theodolite, total station, or laser levels
• Experience in overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Typical hours for this position, excluding overtime, are 6:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Must be available for overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Valid driver’s license
• 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 and 2 hours per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 10 hours per dayLift/Carry: Up to ≤ 50 lbs. (unassisted) between 1 and 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. The 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…? [e-mail].