Structural Welder, Massey's Test Site (Starship) - Night Shift

SpaceX; Texas; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Structural Welder for Massey’s Test Site (Starship) on night shift. You will fabricate and repair ground support structures and stands essential for Starship launches and tests, delivering quality workmanship in a dynamic, high-energy environment.

Responsibilities include reading drawings, cutting and fitting components, welding with SMAW/GMAW/GTAW/FCAW, and ensuring compliance with AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on welding experience in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW or FCAW.
• Experience from a college or vocational welding program qualifies.
• Familiarity with AWS/ASME codes and aerospace materials.

Responsibilities

• Execute welding assignments and procedures for constructing and repairing site structural stands.
• Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects; fit components to precise dimensions.
• Interpret drawings and specifications under lead welder supervision.
• Operate welding and flame-cutting equipment to join metal components.
• Visually inspect welds to AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 standards.
• Maintain licenses and operator permits as needed for safety/compliance.
• Optimize operations and collaborate across teams to accelerate goals.
• Adapt to fast-paced shifts and evolving program needs.

Skills

SMAW

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

Oxy-acetylene cutting

Arc gouging

AWS/ASME codes

Precision measuring

Engineering principles (aerospace)

Education

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

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, MASSEY’S TEST SITE (STARSHIP) - NIGHT SHIFT

As a structural welder on our ground support equipment team, you'll fabricate and repair the robust stands and structures that support Starship's historic launches and tests. Join a dynamic night shift crew in a high-energy environment where your precision welding directly enables reusable rocketry and rapid innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Execute welding assignments and procedures for constructing and repairing site structural stands, delivering high-quality results on time, safely, and professionally to support mission‑critical timelines
• Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects; fit and fabricate components to precise dimensions for assembling test site structural forms that withstand extreme launch conditions
• Under lead welder supervision, interpret engineering drawings and specifications to plan operations, filling procedural gaps and driving efficient problem‑solving
• Operate hand welding and flame‑cutting equipment to join metal components, assembling durable structural forms essential for ground support reliability
• Visually inspect welds to AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 standards (for normal and high‑pressure service), maintaining top‑tier quality with proper training
• Secure and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as needed to uphold safety and compliance
• Continuously optimize operations: reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and collaborate across teams to accelerate program goals
• Thrive in a fast‑paced setting with shifting priorities, adapting to evolving program needs while performing related duties to foster an efficient 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 in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux‑cored arc welding (FCAW), oxy‑acetylene cutting, fitting, and arc gouging
• Strong knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, AWS/ASME codes, and engineering principles for aerospace applications
• Proficiency with standard welding tools, materials, and trade practices, including precision measuring instruments
• Understanding of ferrous/non‑ferrous metals, brazing, arc air procedures, and equipment for complex fabrications
• Familiarity with occupational hazards, safety precautions, and high‑stakes environments like launch sites
• Proven ability to pivot quickly between roles in a challenging, high‑paced setting—ideal for SpaceX's iterative development cycles

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 noise
• 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’s Affi…? or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].