Welder (Starship)

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

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Welder (STARSHIP) at Starbase, TX, to build and weld large assemblies, launch pad structures, and fluid systems for Starship campaigns. You will join a team of fabricators to rapidly fabricate carbon steel, stainless, and aluminum components per engineering drawings and procedures.

The role requires experience with FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes, the ability to read blueprints, and adherence to AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency
• 2+ years hands-on welding experience with SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, or GTAW (or from a welding program)

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction, repair, and upgrade of site structures and fluid systems
• Weld using FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, GTAW on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
• Fit and fabricate components to specified dimensions from drawings
• Collaborate with lead welder to ensure correct procedures and materials
• Interpret drawings and plan welding operations when procedures are unavailable
• Inspect own welds per AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 with proper training
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses or certifications as required
• Support continuous improvements and operate in a fast-paced environment
• Perform related duties to ensure efficient operations

Skills

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Fast-paced environment

Tools

SMAW (Stick)

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

FCAW-G

AWS D1.1

ASME B31.3

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.

WELDER (STARSHIP)

Welders at Starbase, TX, build, maintain, and upgrade structural, fluid, and launch pad systems to support Starship launch campaigns. This welder will work with an elite team of fabricators to rapidly build and weld large assemblies, structural stands, tubing, piping, and launch pad infrastructure at our South Texas facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction, repair, and upgrade of site structural stands, launch pad structures, and fluid systems on time, safely, and in a professional manner
• Weld using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum structural shapes, tubing, and piping
• Cut, trim, scarf, fit, and fabricate metal components and weldments to dimensions for building and assembling test site and launch pad structural forms using standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Collaborate with the lead welder to ensure the proper weld procedure, type of material, and rod/filler size are accurately assessed for each welding project
• Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze and review engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
• Utilize hand welding, flame-cutting, and related equipment to weld together metal components and parts to assemble structural forms and launch pad systems
• Ability to visually inspect own welds per American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 (normal and high‑pressure service) with proper training
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
• Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly
• 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 in one or more of the following processes: FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW
• Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fabricate and weld carbon structure, carbon pipe, stainless pipe, and aluminum
• 5+ years of professional experience in GTAW welding with one or more of the following materials: SCH 10 stainless steel pipe, SCH 10 carbon steel pipe
• 5+ years of professional experience in FCAW welding with stainless steel and/or carbon steel
• Previous welding qualifications in accordance with one or more governing codes: AWS D1.1, AWS D1.2, AWS D1.6, AWS D17.1, or ASME Section IX
• Highly proficient in tube/pipe cutting, grinding, and fabrication
• Knowledge of DC GTAW welding techniques and engineering requirements
• Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
• Knowledge of arc air procedures and equipment
• Experience with overhead cranes and forklifts
• Use of precision measuring instruments
• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a fast‑paced, challenging work environment
• Familiarity with computer systems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and isometric drawings
• Ability to perform fit-ups of various structures and piping

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 am – 6:00 pm
• 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 Aff… or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].