Pipe Welder (Starship)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Pipe Welder for the Starship program at our launch site. You will weld piping, structural steel, and equipment, following drawings and specs, while maintaining safety and quality standards.

The role requires TIG welding experience, process piping exposure, and readiness to obtain required certifications. Day or night shifts, overtime, and outdoor conditions are part of the schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year TIG (GTAW) welding per ASME B31.3 normal/high-pressure service.
• 1+ year experience in a process piping environment with measurement tools (laser level, transit, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction and repair of site structural stands.
• Fit and fabricate metal components to dimensions for piping runs and structures.
• Analyze drawings and specs to plan welding operations where procedures are unavailable.
• Weld components using hand welding and flame-cutting equipment.
• Visually inspect welds per AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 with training.
• Maintain internal licenses or certifications as required.
• Improve operations, reduce turnaround times and cooperate with team.
• Perform other duties to ensure an efficient work environment.

Skills

TIG welding (GTAW)

Piping fabrication

Safety awareness

High-pressure welding

Welding theory & specs

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

TIG welding equipment

Flame-cutting equipment

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.

PIPE WELDER (STARSHIP)

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete welding assignments and procedures for construction and repair of all sites 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 supervision of 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
• Visually inspect own welds per AWS D1.1 and 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
• 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
• 1+ years of experience with TIG (GTAW) welding per ASME B31.3 normal and high-pressure service applications
• 1+ years of experience working in a process piping environment, using various measurement and verification tools (laser level/projector, transit, plumb line, spirit level, inclinometer, etc.) to dimension and build piping runs to/from and around fixed objects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, oxy acetylene, fitting, arc gouging and electronic welding equipment related to the trade
• General mechanical skills in concrete, machining, and alignment/setting
• Knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, AWS/ASME codes, and engineering requirements
• Experience with standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Knowledge in ferrous and non-ferrous metals in relation to welding and brazing
• Knowledge in occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Knowledge in arc air procedures and equipment
• Experience with precision measuring instruments
• Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, noise, and extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, rain
• Anticipated hours for this position are day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM, overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 1 hour per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 1 hour per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees Up to 1 hour per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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 (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 [e-mail] .