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Structural Welder

Starbase, TX
Full Time On-site

STRUCTURAL WELDER, GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Welders at Starbase, TX, will work to build, maintain, and upgrade structural and/or fluid systems to support various SpaceX rocket testing campaigns. This welder will work with an elite team of other fabricators to rapidly build and weld the large assemblies that will contribute to Starship & Super Heavy vehicle testing at our South Texas facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site structural stands on time, safely, and in a professional manner
  • Cut, trim, or scarf metal objects, fit and fabricate metal components to dimensions for building and assembling test site structural forms
  • Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
  • Utilize hand welding and flame-cutting equipment to weld together metal components and parts to assemble structural forms
  • Ability to visually inspect own welds per American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 (normal and high-pressure service) with proper training
  • Obtain and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
  • Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly
  • Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities based on program needs
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 2+ years of experience with at least one of the following: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) (experience from a college welding program qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 5+ years of experience in one of the following processes: FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW
  • Experience as a combo welder with the ability to fabricate and weld carbon structure, carbon pipe, and stainless pipe
  • Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
  • 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 multiple shifts and change shifts with minimal notice; flexibility required
  • Ability to travel to different sites, as needed, up to 20% travel
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand-over-hand
  • 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 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 greater 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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