Welder (Starship) - Night Shift

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Welder (Starship) for the night shift at the Starbase facility in Texas. You will build, maintain, and upgrade structural, fluid, and launch pad systems with a skilled team, fabricating large assemblies and pipe components for Starship campaigns.

Requirements include a high school diploma and 2+ years in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, or FCAW, with the ability to read blueprints, follow procedures, and meet safety standards. Travel up to 20% may be needed; shifts run 5 PM–5 AM.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• 2+ years of experience with SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW (college welding program counts).
• Experience with multiple welding processes and code references is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete welding assignments for construction, repair, and upgrade of structural stands and launch pad systems.
• Weld using FCAW, GMAW, SMAW, GTAW on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum structures.
• Cut, trim, fit, and fabricate metal components to dimensions for assemblies.
• Collaborate with lead welder to ensure proper procedures and materials.
• Analyze drawings to plan welding operations with or without procedural details.
• Inspect welds per AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 training as required.
• Obtain and maintain internal licenses or certifications.
• Support continuous improvements and adapt to changing priorities.
• Perform other duties to ensure efficient operations.

Skills

SMAW

GMAW

GTAW

FCAW

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Welding equipment operation

Precision measuring instruments

Overhead cranes & forklifts

Blueprints interpretation

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) - NIGHT SHIFT

Welders at Starbase, TX will work to build, maintain , and upgrade structural, fluid, and launch pad systems to support Starship vehicle 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 experience with at least one of the following: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux‑cored arc welding (FCAW) (experience from a college 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 high‑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:

• Standard hours for this position are 5 PM – 5 AM
• Schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility required
• Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
• 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 10 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 6 hours or greater per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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
• 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 .

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