Structural Welder

SpaceX; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structural Welder for Ground Support Equipment at our South Texas Starbase facility. The role focuses on building, maintaining and upgrading structural and fluid systems to support rocket testing campaigns, collaborating with a skilled team to assemble large assemblies for Starship and Super Heavy testing.

The candidate will read engineering drawings, perform welding with SMAW, GMAW, GTAW or FCAW, and work under a lead welder to ensure high-quality, safe workmanship in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience with SMAW, GMAW, GTAW or FCAW (college welding program qualifies).
• Experience with welding processes and safety practices is expected.

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction and repair of site structural stands.
• Cut, trim, or fabricate metal components to dimensions for test site structures.
• Analyze drawings and specs to plan welding operations when procedures are unavailable.
• Weld components to assemble structural forms using hand welding and flame-cutting equipment.
• Maintain quality by inspecting welds per AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3; obtain necessary licenses or certifications.

Skills

SMAW

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Overhead cranes

Forklifts

Precision measuring instruments

Hand welding equipment

Flame-cutting equipment

Job description

STRUCTURAL WELDER, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

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.

Welders at Starbase, TX, will work to build, maintain, and upgrade structural and/or fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing campaigns. This welder will work with an elite team of other fabricators to rapidly build and weld the large assemblies that will contribute to Starship & Super Heavy vehicle testing at our South Texas facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site 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 the supervision of a 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
• Ability to visually inspect own welds per American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 and 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 with at least one of the following: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux‑cored arc welding (FCAW) (experience from a college welding program qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience in one of the following processes: FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW
• Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fabricate and weld carbon structure, carbon pipe, and stainless pipe
• Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Experience in overhead cranes and forklifts
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work multiple shifts and change shifts with minimal notice; flexibility required
• Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand‑over‑hand
• 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 75 lbs. (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 for 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500 ft), 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 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].