Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

The role

You will design, implement, and scale manual and automated welding systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles. This role involves developing automated weld paths, implementing real-time process control, and building data pipelines for manufacturing telemetry.

What you will do

• Develop, deploy and iteratively improve automated welding systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles
• Design and optimize automated weld paths, parameters, and sequences
• Implement weld process control with real-time monitoring using advanced sensors
• Build and maintain data pipelines that capture manufacturing telemetry
• Develop fixture and material handling solutions
• Drive continuous improvement of welding automation through scripting, PLC logic, and process modeling
• Partner with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 1+ years of experience with welding processes for complex metallic components
• Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing

Nice to have

• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation
• Demonstrated success deploying robotic welding, laser welding, or vision-guided welding systems
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment with aggressive schedules
• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment
• Direct experience welding rocket engine chambers, nozzles, or regeneratively cooled hardware
• Expertise in welding of high-performance alloys using GTAW, laser, or plasma processes
• Background in real-time weld monitoring, adaptive control, and closed-loop feedback systems
• Experience with offline robot programming, weld simulation software, and integrating welding cells
• Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation tied to welding
• Knowledge of statistical process control, GD&T, and data-driven methods

Benefits

• Company stock or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave

Before you apply

• 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 eligibl

About the company

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make human life on Mars possible.