Apprentice Welder

SpaceX

McGregor, TX

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and cross-training across welding and machining functions.

Best fit for

Candidates with prior experience in plasma table programming and cutting operations in a job shop setting
— “Experience working in cutting or machining operations”
Individuals who can demonstrate a commitment to process improvement and collaboration in a high-paced environment
— “Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly”
Applicants with a background in analyzing engineering drawings and understanding dimensions and tolerances
— “Analyze engineering drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances of cut parts”

Things to consider

The role requires physical endurance, including working at heights up to 300 feet and standing for 8 hours daily
— “Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)”
Candidates must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and in extreme outdoor environments
— “Available to work extended hours and weekends depending on site operational needs”
The position is restricted to individuals who meet specific U.S. Government export regulations
— “To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national...”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with plasma table programming and cross-training in multiple shop functions
— “plasma programming/operation, saw operation, material movement in and around the shop, and cross-training across these functions”
Emphasize skills in using measuring instruments and interpreting engineering drawings
— “Ability to use measuring instruments of all types”
Demonstrate a track record of improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times
— “Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes”
Show willingness to work in extreme environments and adapt to high-paced tasks
— “Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.”
Include certifications or experience from welding programs or related trade fields
— “2+ years of experience (experience from a college welding program qualifies)”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

completed welding tasks and supported the weld support team
met welding requirements and operational needs

Typical background

associate’s degree or certification from a 2-year technical school2+ years of experience in welding processes

Skills & requirements

Required

WeldingPlasma Table ProgrammingSaw OperationMaterial MovementCross-training

Preferred

Ability To Use Measuring InstrumentsExperience In A High-mix, Low-volume Manufacturing Environment

Stack & domain

Flux-cored Arc Welding (fcaw)Shielded Metal Arc Welding/stick Welding (smaw)Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/tig Welding (gtaw)Gas Metal Arc Welding/mig Welding (gmaw)Plasma Table Programming/operatingBand SawChop SawManually Drilling Or Milling MaterialsMeasuring InstrumentsCutting Or Machining OperationsHigh-mix, Low-volume (job Shop) Manufacturing EnvironmentStandard Tools, Materials, Motions, And Practices Of The Welding TradeOccupational Hazards And Effective Safety Precautions Of The TradeLeadershipProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunicationAdaptabilityTime ManagementManufacturingWeldingEngineering

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
APPRENTICE WELDER
We are currently seeking an apprentice welder to join our Texas Test Site. This position requires specialized trade skills to meet welding requirements and operational needs. The position is responsible for performing the duties of an apprentice welder and the weld support team (plasma programming/operation, saw operation, material movement in and around the shop, and cross-training across these functions).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform tasks such as plasma table programming, operating a band saw, chop saw, and manually drilling or milling materials
Analyze engineering drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances of cut parts
Obtain and maintain 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 with leaders to complete the assignment/project, solve problems, meet deadlines, and review issues for consistent improvement
Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate’s degree or certification from a 2-year technical school
2+ years of experience (experience from a college welding program qualifies) in two of the following processes: Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding/stick welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/TIG welding (GTAW), or Gas Metal Arc Welding/MIG welding (GMAW)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
1+ years of experience with plasma table programming/operating
Ability to use measuring instruments of all types
Experience working in cutting or machining operations
Experience in a high-mix, low-volume (job shop) manufacturing environment
Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
Ability to rapidly change focus while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, climb, twist the upper body, and work in confined spaces
Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours minimum)
Ability to lift heavy objects up to 45 lbs. unassisted
Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
Available to work extended hours and weekends depending on site operational needs
Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
Work performed in an environment exposed to fumes, odors, sparks, and noise
Must be willing to travel nationally for up to four weeks – travel will be less than 15%
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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 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.

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)