Automated Welding Technician (Starship)

The role

You will operate advanced machinery to fabricate, assemble, and inspect high-precision components for Starship and Super Heavy Booster fuselage and tank sections. This involves metal forming, welding preparation, and quality control to meet aerospace standards.

What you will do

• Operate and utilize advanced manufacturing equipment such as robots, welders, and manufacturing software.
• Set up and calibrate machinery based on engineering blueprints, CAD models, and production specifications.
• Perform material handling, including loading raw materials and unloading finished sections.
• Conduct in-process inspections using calipers, laser scanners, and non-destructive testing methods.
• Prepare surfaces and edges of barrel sections for welding and assembly.
• Collaborate with engineers, welders, and assembly teams to troubleshoot and optimize processes.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on fabrication equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace according to 5S.
• Document production data, including machine logs, quality reports, and maintenance records.
• Check work after completion of each operation to ensure it is complete per drawing.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, machine operator, and/or installation; OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in welding, A&P, manufa
• Must be willing to work all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required.
• Stand: Up to 10 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 6 hours per day.
• Walk: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day.
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day.
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day.

Nice to have

• Technical certification in machining, fabrication, or welding (e.g., AWS Certified Welder or CNC Operator certification).
• Experience in operating fabrication machinery in a manufacturing setting, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Proficiency with tools and software such as CNC programming (e.g., G-code), CAD/CAM systems, and quality management software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, with knowledge of metalworking processes like rolling, bending, stamping, and heat treatment for aerospace-grade materials.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.

Before you apply

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
• May be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm capabilities, which may include a medical history review.

About the company

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The company was founded on the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting.