Tube Bender (Starship)

SpaceX
Starbase, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level manufacturing technicians comfortable with aerospace-grade tube bending under tight tolerances.

Best fit for

  • Manufacturing technicians with hands-on CNC tube bending experience
    — “Set up, operate, and supervise the operation of all tube-bending equipment
  • Candidates who thrive solving fitment issues in fast-paced aerospace environments
    — “Solve tube fitment issues and document changes for further development work
  • Sheet metal specialists familiar with exotic aerospace alloys
    — “Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel

Things to consider

  • Physical demands include prolonged standing and lifting 50lbs unassisted
    — “Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day
  • Strict ITAR requirements limit applicants to US persons only
    — “applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national

How to stand out

  • Showcase specific Crippa/BLM/Horn CNC machine certifications
    — “preferably Crippa, BLM and/or Horn bending machines
  • Highlight orbital tube welding experience in aerospace contexts
    — “Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)
  • Demonstrate lean manufacturing improvements in past roles
    — “Previous training in lean/continuous improvement tools
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Junior

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

What success looks like

  • coordinate tube bending operations
  • solve tube fitment issues
  • develop quality improvement actions
Typical background
sheet metal technicianmanufacturingfabrication

Skills & requirements

Required

Tube BendingFabricationQuality ControlPrecision AssemblyBlueprint Interpretation

Preferred

Lean/continuous ImprovementManual Tubing BendersOrbital Tube Welding

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.

TUBE BENDER (STARSHIP)

Candidates should possess a combination of solid mechanical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the willingness and ability to learn. As a tube bender on the SpaceX sheet metal technician team, you will be responsible for the successful fabrication of precision tube assemblies that support projects that make up the Starship vehicle.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate activity with technicians and support functions through all tube bending operations, including tube prep, flaring, CNC bending, inspection and cleaning

Set up, operate, and supervise the operation of all tube-bending equipment while working to close tolerances

Work closely with engineering to prove out designs to blueprint with minimum fixtures and short schedules

Solve tube fitment issues and document changes for further development work

Develop and manage actions to improve both quality and productivity

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

1+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience working with thin-walled tubing

Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel

Experience with CNC bending machines and control systems – preferably Crippa, BLM and/or Horn bending machines

Previous training in lean/continuous improvement tools

Ability to set up and operate tube fabrication equipment

Ability to interpret blueprints and articulate work instructions

Knowledge of tube cleaning requirements for aerospace

Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)

Experience with manual tubing benders

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed

Must be able to work overtime and weekends as business needs dictate

Must be able to lift a min. of 25 lbs. unassisted

Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours minimum

Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces

Stand: Up to 6 hours per day

Sit: Up to 1 hour per day

Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day

Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day

Walk: Up to 6 hours per day

Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) between 1 to 2 hours per day

Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day

Kneel/Crouch: Up to 3 hours per day

Upper body twist: Up to 3 hours per day

Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 30 minutes or less per day

Candidate must be capable of safely using an air purifying respirator, 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)

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