Apprentice Welder

About the Role

SpaceX is seeking an apprentice welder for its Texas Test Site. This role requires specialized trade skills to fulfill welding requirements and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform duties of an apprentice welder and the weld support team, including plasma programming/operation, saw operation, material movement, and cross-training across these functions.
• 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 continuous efforts to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes.
• Work cooperatively and jointly with leaders to complete assignments, solve problems, meet deadlines, and review issues for consistent improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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).
• 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 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.
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends based on site operational needs.
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.).
• Work environment exposed to fumes, odors, sparks, and noise.
• Willingness to travel nationally for up to four weeks (travel will be less than 15%).

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.