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Welding Manager, Starship Build

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Starship Production Manager is responsible for up to 120 technicians and the on-floor activities of key assembly and/or service work centers. This is a dynamic position that requires the ability to monitor and create actions for key department metrics while managing production schedules, identifying risks, and clearly communicating them to key stakeholders. As a Manager, Production you will lead several complex, multi-disciplinary production teams/projects and will be required to dive into the unique engineering challenges we face daily in building rocket engine hardware.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and manage a staff of 40+ employees per shift (up to 120 on 2 shifts)
  • Manage modification, repair, assembly, and integration of production assemblies in order to guarantee achievement of on time delivery and quality targets
  • Manage the complete production process within a predefined area, and ensure safety at all times
  • Resolve reoccurring non-conformance issues
  • Review work instructions, and make change recommendations when needed
  • Meet tight production schedules to achieve high rate production
  • Provide technical support to the welding team
  • Work with management and engineering teams to streamline the fit-up and welding processes
  • Assist with the tooling and fixturing designs required for weld / fit-up operation
  • Responsible for control of production weld quality
  • Apply welding codes and hold high workmanship standards with the production team
  • Assess, staff, and vet the appropriate skill sets needed
  • Monitor material costs and cost savings
  • Identify and set-up training programs
  • Develop, initiate, coordinate, and enforce system policies and procedures
  • Monitor labor hours/overtime, and implement improvement plans and time management with staff
  • Manage capacity planning of equipment and personnel
  • Coordinate with engineering and other departments to minimize production interruptions
  • Think creatively, and question the status quo while following documentation and maintaining prescribed quality standards
  • Develop and ensure adequate machine maintenance schedules and back-up spares availability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree or associate degree and 4+ years of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), or gas metal arc welding (GMAW) experience
  • 3+ years of management experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience bringing teams and processes from development to production
  • Ability to effectively communicate with engineering and production (verbal and written)
  • Experience being detailed oriented with outstanding work efficiency and accuracy
  • Experience with schematics: engineering drawings, circuit layouts, and parts list/cable
  • Experience with harnesses: wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and parts list
  • Experience with mechanical assemblies: mechanical drawings and parts lists
  • Strong leadership skills
  • General welding, cutting, and fabrication equipment knowledge, theory, application, maintenance and testing
  • Ability to interpret drawings and weld symbols per AWS D17.1
  • Knowledge of AWS D1.1, D1.6, and D1.2
  • Fabrication of large-scale welded assemblies to tight dimensional tolerances
  • Trade school certificate
  • Possess safety training experience and/or safety certifications
  • Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving total cost equation
  • Experience with applying lean manufacturing principles and efficiency methods
  • Ability to adapt to constant changing work assignments and a fast-paced work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours, and/or weekends as needed
  • Ability to travel for short and extended trips as needed (up to 10%)
  • Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

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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