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Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

TIG Welder (Starship) - Level 4/5

Starbase, TXFull Timelevel 4Posted 2 months ago

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Required skills

TIG welding
Starship
Super Heavy
SpaceX
South Texas
tank fabrication
airframe
GTAW
Class A welds
metal components

Nice to have

stainless steel
carbon steel
Inconel
aluminum
titanium
tube cutting

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a TIG Welder (Level 4/5) to join their Starship and Super Heavy vehicle production team in South Texas. This role involves performing GTAW Class A welds, fabricating metal components according to engineering drawings and specifications, and collaborating with a team to build primary airframes, tanks, and associated structures. The position requires a high school diploma, 7+ years of TIG welding experience, and proficiency in various materials and welding techniques. Preferred candidates will have 10+ years of experience, specific certifications (AWS D17.1, D1.2), and experience with specialized materials like Inconel and titanium. The role demands physical stamina for working at heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme outdoor conditions, along with the ability to operate heavy equipment and adhere to strict safety protocols.

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 (STARSHIP) - LEVEL 4/5

Tank fabricators will work to build the primary airframe of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles at the SpaceX South Texas build site. The tank fabricator will work with an elite team of other fabricators and technicians to rapidly build the tank (cylindrical structure), tank bulkheads, and other large associated structures for the flight article design of both vehicles.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 of safety equipment and work platforms at elevation

Operate general shop equipment and vehicles (forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, etc.)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

7+ years of experience with TIG welding

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

10+ 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

Experience using 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

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.

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