Structural Welder, Stage 0 Ground Fabrication (Starship)

Spacex; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is hiring a Stage 0 Ground Fabrication Structural Welder for Starbase, TX, to build and repair high‑speed launch hardware under lead supervision. You will weld using FCAW-G and related processes, read engineering drawings, and ensure quality per AWS D1.1 while maintaining safety and tight schedules.

This role requires shifting with program needs, travel up to 20%, and lifting up to 50 lbs. The team supports historic Starship testing and launches on the Texas coast.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• 2+ years FCAW-G experience; vocational welding program qualifies.
• Read welding symbols per AWS 2.4.
• Experience as a combo welder with FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, or GMAW.
• 3+ years blueprint reading related to structural weldments.
• Knowledge of welding tools, materials, techniques, and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for site structural weldments.
• Cut, trim, fit, and fabricate metal components for test and launch hardware.
• Analyze drawings to plan welding operations.
• Use manual and semi-automatic welding processes for complex weldments.
• Visually inspect welds per AWS D1.1.
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses or certifications.
• Improve operations and reduce turnaround times.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Vocational welding program qualifies

Tools

FCAW-G welding

SMAW

GTAW

GMAW

Blueprint reading

AWS D1.1 inspection

Rigging

Theodolite/Total station/laser levels

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, STAGE 0 GROUND FABRICATION (STARSHIP)

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 experience with Flux‑Cored Arc Welding - Gas‑shielded (FCAW‑G), experience from a 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:

• 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 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 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. 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 ... should reach out to [e-mail].