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TIG Welder, Heatshield (Starship)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

TIG WELDER, HEATSHIELD (STARSHIP)

Thermal hardware fabricators are responsible for building and integrating the subassemblies required to protect the Starship vehicle on re-entry. As a thermal hardware fabricator, you will partner with an elite team of other fabricators, technicians, and engineers to rapidly build structures required to secure the thermal protection system (heatshield) to the vehicle.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Weld 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
  • 1+ years of experience with TIG welding in a manufacturing environment or certificate of completion for welding from an accredited program within the last 2 years

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
  • Use of precision measuring instruments
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary

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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