Job Description

Overview

SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and is seeking TIG Welders to build the primary airframe of the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles at their South Texas build site.

Responsibilities

  • Perform GTAW class A welds; cut, trim, fit and fabricate metal components to dimensions for building and assembling.
  • Collaborate with lead welder to ensure proper weld procedure, material type, and rod size are assessed for each project.
  • Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations.
  • Improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes.
  • Perform other related duties to ensure an efficient work environment.
  • Weld assembly and fabrication of various structures and assemblies.
  • Communicate effectively with management, engineering staff, and planners.
  • Modify, repair, assemble, and install launch vehicles.
  • Check work after each operation to ensure completion per drawing.
  • Handle and dispose of hazardous materials appropriately.
  • Install and assemble tooling and machinery for building primary tank structure.
  • Set up safety equipment and work platforms at elevation.
  • Operate general shop equipment and vehicles.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 7+ years of experience with TIG welding.
  • 10+ years of experience in TIG welding with materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, aluminum, and titanium.
  • Highly proficient in tube cutting, grinding, and fabrication.
  • Highly experienced in class A welds.
  • Certifications with AWS D17.1 and D1.2.
  • Knowledge in DC welding techniques and engineering requirements.
  • Knowledge in standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade.
  • Knowledge in occupational hazards and effective safety precautions.
  • Knowledge in arc air procedures and equipment.
  • Experience in overhead cranes and forklifts.
  • Experience using precision measuring instruments.
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities in a high-paced environment.

Additional Information

  • Role requires passing a weld test per AWS D17.1.
  • Must be available for all shifts and overtime as needed.
  • Ability to perform job duties that require physical activity in various positions.
  • Ability to work at elevated heights and in confined spaces.
  • Typically exposed to extreme outdoor environments.
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.

How this job compares in US, US

Pay in context

At roughly $43/hr, this posting sits about 52% above the $28/hr median for welding jobs in US, US — toward the top of a $22–$33/hr middle band drawn from 33 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 94% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in US, US

We're tracking 34 other active welding openings in US, US right now, from 26 different employers. 10 of them were added in the last week. Across US as a whole we're tracking 34 other active welding openings from 26 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in US.

SpaceX currently has 5 other openings live in US, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in US at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (5), AAON, Inc. (3), and Greenberry (2). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for TIG. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

See all TIG welder openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Similar openings near US, US

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. TIG Welder (Starship) - Level 4/5 figures were last recalculated when this page was built.