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.

LEAD WELDER – GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Welders at Starbase, TX will work to build, maintain, and upgrade structural and/or fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing campaigns. This welder will lead an elite team of other fabricators to rapidly build and weld the large assemblies that will contribute to Starship & Super Heavy vehicle testing at our South Texas facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and offer daily support to the welding team
Assist the supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members
Report status and issues to leadership and customers
Support leadership in de-escalation of conflict, following company policies, and setting/enforcing a high bar for quality and throughput
Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site structural stands on time, safely, and in a professional manner
Coordinate work with support groups (flight control, other fab/civil organizations, engineering, etc.)
Collaborate with the welding lead coordinator 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
Obtain and maintain 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
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate
7+ 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:

Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fabricate and weld carbon structure, carbon pipe, and stainless pipe
Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
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:

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
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 6 hours or greater 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 Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Lead Welder - Ground Support Equipment