Welder (Starship) – Temporary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Brownsville, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas is recruiting for a temporary Welder (Starship) trainee. You will undergo accelerated training to qualify for welding on Starship and Super Heavy vehicles, under expert mentorship, to fabricate primary airframe components.

After qualification you join an elite team to execute fabrication tasks, supporting rapid production of ground-breaking vehicles. Shift flexibility and potential conversion to full-time are offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 1+ month welding experience or recent welding certificate.
• 3+ years TIG welding with stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, aluminum or titanium.
• AWS D17.1 and D1.2 certification.
• Knowledge of DC welding techniques and welding safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW class A welds and fabricate metal components to dimensions.
• Analyze drawings and plan welding operations where procedures are unavailable.
• Coordinate with lead welder on weld procedure and material selection.
• Improve operations to reduce turnaround times and boost efficiency.
• Weld assemblies for airframe structures and large-scale components.
• Operate shop equipment and ensure safe handling of materials.

Skills

TIG welding

AWS D17.1/D1.2 certs

Tube cutting

Fabrication

Reading drawings

Safety training

Overhead cranes

Forklift operation

Precision measuring

DC welding

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Welding certificate program

Tools

GTAW equipment

Air purifying respirator use

Cranes and forklifts

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

WELDER (STARSHIP) - TEMPORARY

Welders in this temporary position will participate in an accelerated training program at the SpaceX South Texas build site, preparing to qualify for welding on the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles through intensive hands‑on instruction and certification. Under the mentorship of seasoned experts, trainees will simulate and progressively master the fabrication of the primary airframe, including cylindrical tanks, bulkheads, and large associated structures, building the precision skills needed for flight‑ready hardware. Upon successful qualification, participants will join an elite team to rapidly execute these fabrication tasks, advancing the production of groundbreaking multiplanetary vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform 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 safety equipment and work platforms at elevation
• Operate general shop equipment and vehicles (forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a temporary position with SpaceX for the duration stated, subject to change with minimal notice based on business needs. Temporary employees who successfully complete the assignment may be eligible for conversion to full‑time roles.

• LENGTH OF POSITION: 1 month
• SHIFT: Must be available for all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 1+ month of experience welding or certificate of completion for welding from an accredited program within the last 2 years

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ 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:

• Role requires passing a weld test per AWS D17.1
• Must be available for all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights (up to 200 feet) and in confined spaces
• 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 1 hour per day
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day
• Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day
• Walk: Up to 6 hours per day
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 30 minutes or less per day
• Candidate must be capable of safely 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 .

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 [e-mail] .