TIG Welder, Raptor Nozzle Extension & Thermal Protection System (TPS)

Rocket Lab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a skilled TIG Welder to join their Raptor engine system team. This role involves welding, assembly, and fabrication of fluid systems for the Raptor rocket engine, requiring experience in aerospace welding and compliance with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates are proactive problem solvers with a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with TIG welding in a manufacturing environment.
• Certification with AWS D17.1 and D1.2 preferred.
• 3+ years of experience with aerospace TIG welding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Welding, assembly, and fabrication of various fluid systems.
• Repair casting defects and analyze engineering drawings.
• Conduct in-process inspections and maintain a clean work area.

Skills

TIG welding

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Precision measurement

Education

High school diploma

Certificate of completion for welding

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, RAPTOR NOZZLE EXTENSION & THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM (TPS)

This TIG Welding position is on our Raptor engine system team which powers our Starship & Super Heavy rocket system. The team is responsible for the construction and assembly of fluid systems for the Raptor rocket engine.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position will be responsible for welding, assembly, and fabrication of various fluid systems and various sub-assembly components.
• Repair casting defects via grinding, welding and blending
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations; read and interpret work instructions and part drawings (blueprints and CAD)
• Use precision calibrated tools –micrometers, depth gauges and calipers
• Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease process time, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly
• Operate general shop equipment and vehicles (forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)
• Conduct in-process inspection
• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Take operational ownership of the weld area equipment and processes
• Take initiative in problem solving, cost reductions, and process improvement

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:

• 3+ years of experience with aerospace TIG welding
• 3+ years of experience fitting welded assemblies
• 5+ years of experience in welding with one or more of the following materials: stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, niobium, aluminum or titanium
• Highly proficient in tube (small and large diameter up to 6”) and sheet metal cutting grinding and fabrication
• Proficient in blue print reading and lay out
• Knowledge and experience completing welds that pass visual before being X-rayed or dye penned
• Certification with AWS D17.1 and D1.2
• Experience with overhead cranes and forklifts

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to work overtime hours and weekends as needed
• Able to lift a min. of 25 lbs. unassisted
• Able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours min
• Able to stoop, bend, crawl, and being able to maneuver in tight spaces

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour
Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour
Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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].