NDE Level II Inspector - Multiple Shifts
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
How this pay compares
This posting states $52k–$72.8k a year. Open quality engineer jobs in California post a median of $148k a year, the middle half $122k–$166k, across 128 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.
Quality engineers and inspectors in California: pay by town and employer
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.
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 Level II Inspector is immense, as the organization is responsible for a large diversity of inspection types across Falcon, Dragon, and Starship program.
You have the ability to engage with the process to provide continuous improvement to execute on the mission to make humanity interplanetary. ## RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform both surface or volumetric NDE inspections - Interpret, evaluate, communicate and report findings to production and engineering - Interpret and review engineering drawings as required - Optimize and manipulate digital images for maximum clarity and accuracy - Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries - Assist in training and developing others within the team - Support research and development of system qualification and certification for critical processes ## BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalency certificate - NDE level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in at least one of the following methods, Eddy Current Testing (ET), Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing Immersion (UT-I), Ultrasonic Testing – Phased Array (PAUT) ## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE - Additional nondestructive evaluation Level II certifications in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT) - Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments - 2+ years of experience as a level II nondestructive evaluation/testing inspector - Experience performing NDE testing within the aerospace industry - American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. - Experience inspecting advanced materials such as high strength aluminum alloys, precipitation hardened steels, inconel, monel, titanium, and maraging steel (super alloys) - Knowledge of NASA 5009 standards - Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM, standards - Experience with problem solving tools and techniques including: practical problem solving (PPS), and eight disciplines (8D) - Basic understanding of Lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiative ## ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to lift 25 lbs 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 - Shift times: 1st shift (Monday - Friday 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM) - 2nd shift (Monday - Friday 2:00 PM - 12:30 AM) - Weekend 1st shift (Thursday - Sunday 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM) - Weekend 2nd shift (Thursday - Sunday 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM) ## Pay range NDE Level II Inspector/Grade 1: $25.00 - $35.00/hour NDE Level II Inspector/Grade 2: $30.00 - $40.00/hour NDE Level II Inspector/Grade 3: $35.00 - $45.00/hour NDE Level II Inspector/Grade 4: $43.00 - $54.00/hour NDE Level II Inspector/Grade 5: $50.00 - $60.00/hour Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. ## 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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