Apprentice Welder
- No experience required
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
About the job
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. ## APPRENTICE WELDER We are currently seeking an apprentice welder to join our Texas Test Site.
This position requires specialized trade skills to meet welding requirements and operational needs.
The position is responsible for performing the duties of an apprentice welder and the weld support team (plasma programming/operation, saw operation, material movement in and around the shop, and cross-training across these functions). ## RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform tasks such as plasma table programming, operating a band saw, chop saw, and manually drilling or milling materials - Analyze engineering drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances of cut parts - Obtain and maintain licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required - Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly - Work with leaders to complete the assignment/project, solve problems, meet deadlines, and review issues for consistent improvement - Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Associate’s degree or certification from a 2-year technical school - 2+ years of experience (experience from a college welding program qualifies) in two of the following processes: Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding/stick welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/TIG welding (GTAW), or Gas Metal Arc Welding/MIG welding (GMAW) ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - 1+ years of experience with plasma table programming/operating - Ability to use measuring instruments of all types - Experience working in cutting or machining operations - Experience in a high-mix, low-volume (job shop) manufacturing environment - Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade - Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade - Ability to rapidly change focus while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, climb, twist the upper body, and work in confined spaces - Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours minimum) - Ability to lift heavy objects up to 45 lbs. unassisted - Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) - Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches - Available to work extended hours and weekends depending on site operational needs - Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc. - Work performed in an environment exposed to fumes, odors, sparks, and noise - Must be willing to travel nationally for up to four weeks – travel will be less than 15% ## 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 .
From SpaceX's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Chipton-RossEngineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense engineering staffing firm with offices in El Segundo, Long Beach and Playa Del Rey, California, Charleston, Pascagoula and Newport News, placing engineers, designers and technicians on contract and direct hire.
Places: Mechanical, Avionics, Systems & Test, Technicians
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New space manufacturing and technician jobs in Texas, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About SpaceX
Designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 53.2% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on SpaceX's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More space manufacturing and technician jobs
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics & Test$115,200–$144,000/yr
- Senior Manufacturing Engineer II - Avionics & Test$132,000–$176,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer$100,000–$130,000/yr
- Manufacturing Engineer (Tanks)$68,000–$80,000/yr
- CNC Lathe Machinist I and II, Prototype Shop$29–$40/hr
- Manufacturing Engineer, Machining & Additive Associate (Winter 2027)$1,925/wk
A certified technician, machinist or welder?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
SpaceX openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from SpaceX's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.