Lead Welder (Starship Launch Hardware) - Multiple Shifts
- 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. ## RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead a team of welders during build and repair operations for launch, recovery, and post-launch refurbishment - Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structures, launch component supports, and pressure vessels - Lead contract welders when job size and schedule require increased team sizes; train and monitor the work quality of contractors - Orient new team members and assign/reassign tasks; assist in scheduling daily work assignments and inform others of work procedures to ensure performance standards are met - Assist the supervisor in coaching, mentoring, and training team members - Communicate with the team on assignments, projects, problems, deadlines, and issues for review - Problem solve and collaborate on SpaceX tasks and assignments - Ensure that all welding staff members follow the proper weld procedure - Provide information on material and rod size, and accurately assess material needs for each welding project ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - 5+ years of structural fabrication and welding experience - 3+ years of piping system or pressure vessel fabrication experience ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - 5+ years of leading small teams of people - 5+ years of experience welding on steel, aluminum, and stainless-steel projects - 5+ years of experience in layout and fabrication experience - Knowledge of TIG welding processes - Experience working with overhead cranes and forklifts - Proficient in blueprint reading and layout - Proficient in plasma cutting and oxyacetylene cutting - Proficient in Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and/or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg - Must be available to work all required shift hours and be available to work overtime and weekends as needed 1st Shift: 6:00am - 6:30pm Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday - 2nd Shift: 6:00pm - 6:30am Wednesday - Saturday or Sunday - Wednesday - Must be able to travel – up to 25% - Must be able to perform the following functions: standing, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. ## 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.
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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).
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