Lead Welder (Starship Launch Hardware) - Multiple Shifts

SpaceX
Cape Canaveral, FL
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at experienced welders with leadership potential who can work in high-stakes aerospace manufacturing environments.

Best fit for

  • Experienced welders with leadership potential in aerospace manufacturing
    — “Lead a team of welders during build and repair operations for launch, recovery, and post-launch refurbishment
  • Candidates with strong technical skills in TIG, FCAW, and pressure vessel fabrication
    — “Proficient in Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and/or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Things to consider

  • Must be eligible for Air Force background checks and ITAR compliance
    — “Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
  • Travel is a significant commitment, with up to 25% of time spent traveling
    — “Must be able to travel – up to 25%
  • Shift work requires flexibility, with options for first or second shifts
    — “1st Shift: 6:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in structural and pressure vessel welding with specific project examples
    — “Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structures, launch component supports, and pressure vessels
  • Demonstrate leadership experience in managing small teams or contractors
    — “Lead contract welders when job size and schedule require increased team sizes
  • Emphasize skills in blueprint reading, plasma cutting, and oxyacetylene cutting
    — “Proficient in blueprint reading and layout
  • Showcase ability to work in multiple shifts and handle overtime requirements
    — “Must be available to work all required shift hours and be available to work overtime and weekends as needed
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • Lead a team of welders during build and repair operations
  • Train and monitor the work quality of contractors
  • Ensure proper weld procedure adherence
  • Accurately assess material needs for each welding project
Typical background
5+ years of structural fabrication and welding experience3+ years of piping system or pressure vessel fabrication experience

Skills & requirements

Required

WeldingTeam LeadershipFabricationTIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingPlasma CuttingFlux Cored Arc Welding (fcaw)Gas Metal Arc Welding (gmaw)Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (gtaw)Shielded Metal Arc Welding (smaw)

Preferred

Overhead Crane OperationForklift Operation

Stack & domain

WeldingStructural FabricationPiping System FabricationPressure Vessel FabricationTIG WeldingPlasma CuttingOxyacetylene CuttingFlux Cored Arc WeldingGas Metal Arc WeldingGas Tungsten Arc WeldingShielded Metal Arc WeldingTeam LeadershipProblem SolvingCollaborationTrainingSpace ExplorationLaunch Hardware

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 WELDER (STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE) – MULTIPLE SHIFTS

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead a team of welders during build and repair operations for launch, recovery, and post-launch refurbishment

Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structures, launch component supports, and pressure vessels

Lead contract welders when job size and schedule require increased team sizes; train and monitor the work quality of contractors

Orient new team members and assign/reassign tasks; assist in scheduling daily work assignments and inform others of work procedures to ensure performance standards are met

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

Communicate with the team on assignments, projects, problems, deadlines, and issues for review

Problem solve and collaborate on SpaceX tasks and assignments

Ensure that all welding staff members follow the proper weld procedure

Provide information on material and rod size, and accurately assess material needs for each welding project

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

5+ years of structural fabrication and welding experience

3+ years of piping system or pressure vessel fabrication experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of leading small teams of people

5+ years of experience welding on steel, aluminum, and stainless-steel projects

5+ years of experience in layout and fabrication experience

Knowledge of TIG welding processes

Experience working with overhead cranes and forklifts

Proficient in blueprint reading and layout

Proficient in plasma cutting and oxyacetylene cutting

Proficient in Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and/or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

Must be available to work all required shift hours and be available to work overtime and weekends as needed

1st Shift: 6:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday 

2nd Shift: 6:00pm - 6:30am Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday

Must be able to travel – up to 25%

Must be able to perform the following functions: standing, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment up to 25 lbs.

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)

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