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NDE Inspector, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

NDE INSPECTOR, CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR (CWI) (STARSHIP)

The NDE Operations organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, inter-disciplinary team that is committed to providing high-quality inspections of flight components and production assemblies. The breadth of exposure as an NDE Inspector is immense, as the organization is responsible for a large diversity of inspection types across Starship. You will have the ability to engage with the process to provide continuous improvement to execute the mission to make humanity interplanetary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform internal and external inspections to determine if a weldment/structure meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or document
  • Interpret codes and specifications in accordance with the drawing requirements
  • Use a computer to compile and submit data of acceptance or rejection of inspections, as well as for inter-office communications
  • Recommend and approve repairs as well as perform visual inspection of work in progress and completed work
  • Monitor welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and plasma arc welding (PAW) to ensure they are performed in accordance with qualified procedures
  • Verify and document welder qualifications
  • Verify the compliance of base metals with the applicable specifications
  • Appraise welding joint designs and joint preparations for compliance with drawing
  • Verify proper fit, cleanliness, and environmental conditions
  • Verify tack weld quality
  • Verify preheat and interpass temperatures
  • Assure the proper control and handling of welding consumables
  • Verify the interpass and final cleaning
  • Assure product conformity to drawings and specifications
  • Verify cleanliness and weld surface quality
  • Oversee NDT examinations, proof, and mechanical testing if required
  • Oversee repair activities
  • Verify the proper performance of post-weld heat treatments
  • Confirm adequate documentation of fabrication and inspection activities
  • Assist in training and developing of other teammates
  • Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries
  • Interpret and review engineering drawings as required
  • Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams
  • Conduct vendor surveillance audits of welding and inspection work as needed

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Additional nondestructive Evaluation Level II or III certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
  • 2+ years of experience as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • Extensive knowledge of industry standards including ABS, AWS, and ASME
  • Working knowledge of surface and subsurface NDE methodologies

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to lift 25lbs unassisted, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk
  • Must be willing to work overtime and on weekends to meet critical deadlines if needed
  • Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day
  • Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 6 hours per day
  • Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day
  • Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, 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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