NDE Inspector Trainee (Starship) - Temporary

SpaceX
Starbase, TX
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for candidates with prior welding experience and NDE certification training who are willing to work in a physically demanding, temporary role at a space exploration site.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with prior welding experience and NDE training seeking a temporary, hands-on role in aerospace inspection
    — “2+ years of professional welding experience
  • Individuals with NDE Level I certification and a willingness to rotate shifts and work in extreme conditions
    — “Must be available for all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime and weekends
  • Candidates who can interpret engineering drawings and support R&D of new inspection techniques for complex geometries
    — “Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries

Things to consider

  • The role requires physical stamina for extended periods of standing, climbing, and lifting heavy objects
    — “Stand: Up to 10 hours per day
  • Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens or residents due to ITAR export regulations
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident

How to stand out

  • Highlight prior certification in NDE methods and experience with engineering drawing interpretation
    — “Certificate of completion in two or more of the following NDE methods
  • Emphasize adaptability and experience with problem-solving frameworks like 8D or PPS
    — “Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: practical problem solving (PPS), Eight Disciplines (8D)
  • Showcase familiarity with lean principles such as 5S or Kaizen in your resume or interview responses
    — “Basic understanding of lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiatives
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Intern

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

What success looks like

  • becoming certified in NDE methods
  • performing NDE inspections
Typical background
NDE InspectorWelding

Skills & requirements

Required

On-the-job TrainingCertification ExaminationsNDE Inspections

Preferred

Professional Welding ExperienceNDE Certification

Stack & domain

WeldingNDE MethodsMicrosoft ApplicationsProblem SolvingTeamworkCommunicationNDE Level I CertificationManufacturingEngineering

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.

NDE INSPECTOR TRAINEE (STARSHIP) - TEMPORARY

An NDE Inspector trainee position at SpaceX sits within the NDE Operations team. The purpose of this role is to train effectively and quickly to become qualified and certified across needed NDE applications. A successful individual in this role is studious, autonomous, and motivated to start a career within nondestructive evaluation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Studiously train with multiple NDE Inspectors to gain on-the-job training (OJT)

Leverage OJT and self-study to effectively prepare for and pass certification examinations and practical tests

Become certified in the necessary and assigned NDE methods

Perform NDE inspections with the applicable NDE methods

Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams

Interpret and review engineering drawings as required

Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries

Support research and development of future NDE technology for operational improvements

Assist in training and developing others within the team

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a temporary position with SpaceX for the duration stated, subject to change with minimal notice based on business needs. Temporary employees who successfully complete the assignment may be eligible for conversion to full-time roles.

LENGTH OF POSITION: 3 months

LOCATION: Brownsville, TX

SHIFT: Must be available for all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

2+ years of professional welding experience

Certificate of completion in two or more of the following NDE methods from an NDE training program or school: Liquid penetrant (PT) or visual inspection (VT) in line with ASNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance

Nondestructive evaluation level I certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), 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)

Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments

Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM

Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: practical problem solving (PPS), Eight Disciplines (8D)

Basic understanding of lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiatives

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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. § 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