TIG Welder, Heatshield (Starship)

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

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a TIG Welder, Heatshield (Starship) to join the thermal hardware team responsible for fabricating and installing heat shield components for Starship re-entry. You will read drawings, perform GTAW welds, and collaborate with engineers to ensure proper weld procedures and fit.

The role emphasizes safe, efficient fabrication and readiness for extended hours in a fast-paced space environment. Qualified candidates will have TIG welding experience, a high school diploma or welding

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment or recent welding program completion.
• Preferred AWS D17.1 and D1.2 certifications; ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Weld GTAW class A welds; cut, trim, fit and fabricate metal components per dimensions.
• Collaborate with lead welder to select proper weld procedure and materials.
• Analyze drawings to plan welding operations when procedures are unavailable.
• Improve operations and reduce turnaround times while maintaining safety.
• Weld assemblies for heat shield structures and related tooling.
• Communicate with management, engineers, and planners to improve build efficiency.
• Operate shop equipment and handle hazardous materials safely.

Skills

TIG welding

GTAW

Fabrication

Reading drawings

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Welding certificate program

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Overhead cranes

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.

TIG WELDER, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP)

Thermal hardware fabricators are responsible for building and integrating the subassemblies required to protect the Starship vehicle on re-entry. As a thermal hardware fabricator, you will partner with an elite team of other fabricators, technicians, and engineers to rapidly build structures required to secure the thermal protection system (heatshield) to the vehicle.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Weld GTAW class A welds; cut, trim, fit and fabricate metal components to dimensions for building and assembling
• Collaborate with lead welder to ensure that the proper weld procedure, type of material and rod size are accurately assessed for each welding project
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• 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
• Weld assembly and fabrication of various small to large scale structures and assemblies
• Effectively communicate with management/supervisors, engineering staff and planners to achieve build efficiency
• Modify repair, assemble, and install launch vehicles
• Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in approved manner
• Install and assemble custom and off-the-shelf tooling and machinery for building primary tank structure
• Setup of safety equipment and work platforms at elevation
• Operate general shop equipment and vehicles (forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ years of experience with TIG welding in a manufacturing environment or certificate of completion for welding from an accredited program within the last 2 years

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of experience in TIG welding with one or more of the following materials: stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, aluminum and titanium
• Highly proficient in tube cutting, grinding and fabrication
• Highly experience in class A welds
• Certifications with AWS D17.1 and D1.2
• Knowledge in DC welding techniques, and engineering requirements
• Knowledge in standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Knowledge in occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Knowledge in arc air procedures and equipment
• 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 extended hours and weekends as necessary

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 [e-mail].