Structural Welder, Ground Support Equipment (Starship) - Night Shift

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

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a structural welder for Starbase, TX, night shift, to work on Starship ground support equipment. You will weld, fit, and assemble complex test hardware under lead supervision, ensuring quality and safety in a fast-paced environment near the Texas coast.

Required are 2+ years in SMAW/GMAW/GTAW/FCAW with FCAW-G, plus the ability to read welding symbols and meet ITAR guidelines. OT and weekend hours may be required, with a strong focus on precision and safety.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on welding with SMAW/GMAW/GTAW/FCAW including FCAW-G
• Experience reading welding symbols per AWS 2.4
• Experience as a combo welder with multiple processes preferred

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction and repair of site weldments on time and safely
• Cut, trim, fit, and fabricate metal components to dimensions for test/launch hardware
• Analyze drawings to plan welding operations when procedures are unavailable
• Weld complex structural weldments using manual and semi-automatic processes
• Visually inspect welds per AWS D1.1 and pursue certifications as needed
• Maintain safety and efficiency in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
• Support continuous improvement to reduce turnaround times

Skills

SMAW

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

FCAW-G

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Theodolite/Total station/laser levels

Overhead cranes

Forklifts & rigging

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.

STRUCTURAL WELDER, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (STARSHIP) - NIGHT SHIFT

Join an elite team of structural fitters and welders at Starbase, TX. As a stage 0 ground support equipment (GSE) structural welder, you'll work on complex structural launch hardware and test stands at high speed alongside world-class teammates, directly contributing to vehicle testing and historic Starship launches from the Texas coast.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete welding assignments for the construction and repair of site structural weldments on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Cut, trim, fit, and fabricate metal components to dimensions for building and assembling test and launch hardware
• Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Utilize manual and semi-automatic welding processes to fit and weld complex structural weldments
• Ability to visually inspect own welds per American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1.
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes
• 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 hands‑on experience with at least one of the following: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), or flux‑cored arc welding (FCAW), including gas‑shielded FCAW (FCAW-G); experience from a college or vocational welding program qualifies

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience using FCAW-G welding
• Ability to read welding symbols per AWS 2.4
• Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fit and weld carbon structure using FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, or GMAW processes
• 3+ years of blueprint reading experience directly related to structural weldments.
• Knowledge of standard tools, materials, welding techniques, and practices of the welding trade
• 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/responsibilities while working in a high‑paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 noisen
• Must be available for overtime and weekends, as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Typical hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 6:00 pm - 6:00 am
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
• Sit: Up to 10 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 for 6 hours or more 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'sAffodience Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail].