Lead Structural Welder (Stage 0 Propellant Systems) - Night Shift

SpaceX
Starbase, US

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior welders with leadership experience who thrive in physically demanding, outdoor industrial environments with strict safety protocols.

Best fit for

  • Experienced structural welders seeking a leadership role in aerospace infrastructure.
    — “5+ years of structural welding experience
  • Weld team leads comfortable mentoring in high-stakes industrial settings.
    — “3+ years leading small weld teams
  • Night shift workers adaptable to extreme outdoor conditions and heights.
    — “Must be able to work the following shift: night shift 6:00 p.m. - 4:30 a.m.

Things to consider

  • Mandatory night shift with potential weekend overtime in extreme temperatures.
    — “Must be available for overtime and weekends, depending on site operational needs
  • Physical demands include 10-hour shifts with frequent climbing and lifting.
    — “Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Requires comfort working at 300-foot heights with safety equipment.
    — “Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights up to 300 feet

How to stand out

  • Document specific instances where you improved welding processes or throughput.
    — “Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times
  • Highlight launch site experience and specialized certifications.
    — “1+ years of experience working at a launch, test, or production site
  • Demonstrate conflict resolution skills in team leadership contexts.
    — “Support leadership in de-escalation of conflict, following company policies
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

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

What success looks like

  • lead welding team
  • ensure quality standards
  • coordinate with support groups
Typical background
structural weldingmetal fabricationteam leadership

Skills & requirements

Required

Structural WeldingWelding ProceduresMetal FabricationTeam Leadership

Preferred

Pipe WeldingLaunch Site Experience

Stack & domain

Welding TechniquesMetallurgyArc Air ProceduresPrecision Measuring Instruments

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.

LEAD STRUCTURAL WELDER (STAGE 0 PROPELLANT SYSTEMS) - NIGHT SHIFT

We are currently seeking individuals to fill a lead welder position at our Starbase launch site. This position requires skill in a specialized trade to complete welding requirements and operational needs. The position is responsible for welding piping, structural steel, and other facility equipment and infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and offer daily support to the welding team

Orient new team members; assist in assigning and reassigning tasks; assist in scheduling daily work assignments; and assist others on work procedures and ensure the performance standards are met

Assist the supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members

Report status and issues to leadership and customers

Support leadership in de-escalation of conflict, following company policies, and setting and enforcing a high bar for quality and throughput

Complete welding assignments and procedures for the construction and repair of all site structural stands on time, safely, and in a professional manner

Coordinate work with support groups such as flight control, other fabrication and civil organizations, and engineering

Collaborate with the welding lead coordinator 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

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

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

5+ years of structural welding experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of metal fabrication experience

3+ years leading small weld teams

3+ years of pipe welding experience

1+ years of experience working at a launch, test, or production site

Knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements

Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in relation to welding and brazing

Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade

Knowledge of arc air procedures and equipment

Experience with standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade

Experience with precision measuring instruments

Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work the following shift: night shift 6:00 p.m. - 4:30 a.m., Monday - Friday

Must be available for overtime and weekends, depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

Must be able to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted

Must be able to work on ladders and lifts at elevated heights up to 300 feet with appropriate safety equipment

Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments, including heat, cold, and rain

Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

Valid driver’s license

Stand: Up to 10 hours per day

Sit: Up to 10 hours per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75 pounds unassisted between 1 and 2 hours per day

Overhead reach: Up to 10 hours per day

Walk: Up to 10 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50 pounds unassisted between 1 and 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 more per day

Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights up to 300 feet, 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. § 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)

Similar roles