NDE Inspector, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting does not state its pay. Open quality engineer jobs in Texas post a median of $97.5k a year, the middle half $83.8k–$105k, across 3 jobs that state their pay.
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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. ## NDE INSPECTOR, CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR (CWI) (STARSHIP) The NDE Operations organization at SpaceX is an inclusive, inter-disciplinary team that is committed to providing high-quality inspections of flight components and production assemblies.
The breadth of exposure as an NDE Inspector is immense, as the organization is responsible for a large diversity of inspection types across Starship.
You will have the ability to engage with the process to provide continuous improvement to execute the mission to make humanity interplanetary. ## RESPONSIBILITIES: - Perform internal and external inspections to determine if a weldment/structure meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or document - Interpret codes and specifications in accordance with the drawing requirements - Use a computer to compile and submit data of acceptance or rejection of inspections, as well as for inter-office communications - Recommend and approve repairs as well as perform visual inspection of work in progress and completed work - Monitor welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and plasma arc welding (PAW) to ensure they are performed in accordance with qualified procedures - Verify and document welder qualifications - Verify the compliance of base metals with the applicable specifications - Appraise welding joint designs and joint preparations for compliance with drawing - Verify proper fit, cleanliness, and environmental conditions - Verify tack weld quality - Verify preheat and interpass temperatures - Assure the proper control and handling of welding consumables - Verify the interpass and final cleaning - Assure product conformity to drawings and specifications - Verify cleanliness and weld surface quality - Oversee NDT examinations, proof, and mechanical testing if required - Oversee repair activities - Verify the proper performance of post-weld heat treatments - Confirm adequate documentation of fabrication and inspection activities - Assist in training and developing of other teammates - Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries - Interpret and review engineering drawings as required - Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams - Conduct vendor surveillance audits of welding and inspection work as needed ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - Additional nondestructive Evaluation Level II or III certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT) - 2+ years of experience as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - Extensive knowledge of industry standards including ABS, AWS, and ASME - Working knowledge of surface and subsurface NDE methodologies ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to lift 25lbs unassisted, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk - Must be willing to work overtime and on weekends to meet critical deadlines if needed - Stand: Up to 10 hours per day - Sit: Up to 3 hours per day - Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs.
(unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day - Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day - Walk: Up to 3 hours per day - Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs.
(unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day - Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 6 hours per day - Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day - Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day - Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day - Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description.
Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review. ## 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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