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Structural Welder, Ground Support Equipment – Night Shift

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

As a structural welder on our ground support equipment team, you'll fabricate and repair the robust stands and structures that support Starship's historic launches. Join a dynamic night shift crew in a high-energy environment where your precision welding directly enables reusable rocketry and rapid innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Execute welding assignments and procedures for constructing and repairing site structural stands, delivering high-quality results on time, safely, and professionally to support mission-critical timelines
  • Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects; fit and fabricate components to precise dimensions for assembling test site structural forms that withstand extreme launch conditions
  • Under lead welder supervision, interpret engineering drawings and specifications to plan operations, filling procedural gaps and driving efficient problem-solving
  • Operate hand welding and flame-cutting equipment to join metal components, assembling durable structural forms essential for ground support reliability
  • Visually inspect welds to AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 standards (for normal and high-pressure service), maintaining top-tier quality with proper training
  • Secure and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as needed to uphold safety and compliance
  • Continuously optimize operations: reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and collaborate across teams to accelerate program goals
  • Thrive in a fast-paced setting with shifting priorities, adapting to evolving program needs while performing related duties to foster an efficient work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 5+ years in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), oxy-acetylene cutting, fitting, and arc gouging
  • Strong knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, AWS/ASME codes, and engineering principles for aerospace applications
  • Proficiency with standard welding tools, materials, and trade practices, including precision measuring instruments
  • Understanding of ferrous/non-ferrous metals, brazing, arc air procedures, and equipment for complex fabrications
  • Familiarity with occupational hazards, safety precautions, and high-stakes environments like launch sites
  • Proven ability to pivot quickly between roles in a challenging, high-paced setting-ideal for SpaceX's iterative development cycles

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, excluding overtime, are 6:00 pm - 6:00 am
  • 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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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