Lead Welder, Pipe (Starship Launch Fabrication) - 2nd Shift

SpaceX•Starbase, TX, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a Lead Welder for its Starbase facility in South Texas. The role requires leadership of welding teams of varying sizes, expertise in stainless steel pipe welding, and the ability to oversee multiple projects. The Lead Welder primarily coordinates daily work scopes and provides quality oversight for SpaceX welders and contractors. The role provides daily leadership and hands-on support to the welding team, assists the supervisor with coaching and training, and coordinates with support groups and customers. It also involves verifying welding procedures and materials, reviewing engineering drawings and specifications, maintaining required credentials, and improving operational efficiency and teamwork. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Overtime and weekend work may be required based on site needs. The work takes place outdoors in conditions that may include heat, cold, and rain, as well as environments with fumes, odors, and noise. The position requires physical activity and the ability to work safely at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, and around heavy equipment and machinery.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At least 3 years of pipe welding experience.
At least 1 year of structural welding experience.
Valid driver’s license.
Must be able to work overtime and weekends based on operational needs.
Must be able to work in extreme outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, and rain, and in environments with fumes, odors, and noise.
Must be capable of safely working at heights up to 500 feet, in confined spaces, and operating heavy equipment and machinery.
Must be able to perform the listed physical requirements, which include extended standing, overhead reaching, walking, climbing, kneeling or crouching, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and pushing or pulling up to 75 pounds.
Must be able to work in temperatures over 80 degrees for six or more hours per day.
Must meet SpaceX ITAR eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of metal fabrication experience.
At least 3 years leading small- or medium-sized welding teams.
At least 1 year of experience at a launch, test, or production site.
Strong knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements.
Familiarity with standard tools, materials, methods, and practices of the welding trade.
Understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals as they relate to welding.
Awareness of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions in the trade.
Knowledge of arc air procedures and equipment.
Proficiency with precision measuring instruments.
Ability to quickly adapt roles and responsibilities in a fast-paced, high-challenge environment.

Responsibilities

Provide daily leadership and hands-on support to the welding team.
Assist the supervisor with coaching, mentoring, and training team members.
Communicate status updates and issues to leadership and customers.
Support leadership with conflict de-escalation, policy adherence, and maintaining quality and throughput standards.
Coordinate activities with materials management, fabrication technicians, quality control, and engineering customers.
Work with the welding supervisor and quality control to verify the correct weld procedure, material type, and rod size for each project.
Review engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations when procedural details are not provided.
Obtain and maintain required licenses, operator permits, or certifications.
Continuously improve operations, reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and foster cooperative teamwork.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.