Lead Welder, Pipe (Starship Launch Fabrication)
About The Position
SpaceX is seeking a Lead Welder for its Starbase facility in South Texas. The role requires proven 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 position provides daily leadership and hands-on support to the welding team, assists the supervisor with coaching and training, and communicates status updates and issues to leadership and customers. It also coordinates with materials management, fabrication technicians, quality control, and engineering customers to support safe, efficient, high-quality welding operations. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Overtime and weekend work may be required based on site operational needs. The role is performed in extreme outdoor conditions and may involve fumes, odors, noise, heights up to 500 feet, confined spaces, and 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 site 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, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and meeting the listed physical requirements.
- Must meet SpaceX’s stated ITAR eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the 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 in conflict de-escalation, adherence to company policies, and maintaining high standards for quality and throughput.
- Coordinate activities with support groups, including materials management, fabrication technicians, quality control, and engineering customers.
- Partner 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 all required licenses, operator permits, or certifications.
- Improve operations continuously, reduce turnaround times, streamline processes, and foster cooperative teamwork.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned to support an efficient and effective work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
