Automated Welding Technician (Starship)

About the role

As an Automated Welding Technician specializing in Starship and Super Heavy Booster fuselage and tank sections, you will operate advanced machinery to fabricate, assemble, and inspect high-precision components critical to spacecraft structures.

These sections form the body of the fuselage and the tanks, requiring expertise in metal forming, welding preparation, and quality control to meet stringent aerospace standards for strength, weight, and durability. This role demands attention to detail, safety adherence, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on fully reusable space vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Operate and utilize advanced manufacturing equipment such as robots, welders, and manufacturing software.
• Set up and calibrate machinery based on engineering blueprints, CAD models, and production specifications to ensure precise dimensions (e.g., tolerances within microns for structural integrity under extreme conditions).
• Perform material handling, including loading raw materials (e.g., steel coils or gores) and unloading finished sections for further assembly or stacking.
• Conduct in-process inspections using tools like calipers, laser scanners, and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to verify quality, detect defects, and ensure compliance with NASA/AS9100 standards.
• Prepare surfaces and edges of barrel sections for welding and assembly, including cleaning, grinding, beveling, and deburring to ensure optimal joint quality, adhesion, and structural integrity.
• Collaborate with engineers, welders, and assembly teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and implement continuous improvements in fabrication techniques, including working with weld development and engineering teams to refine welding parameters, materials, and methodologies for enhanced performance and efficiency.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on fabrication equipment, including inspections, lubrication, and minor repairs, to ensure operational reliability, minimize downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace according to 5S, adhering to safety protocols for handling heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and high-pressure environments.
• Document production data, including machine logs, quality reports, and maintenance records, using digital systems for traceability.
• Participate in shift rotations, overtime, and rapid prototyping efforts to support aggressive production timelines for the Starship programs success.
• Check work after completion of each operation in job and/or completed job to ensure it is complete per drawing.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware assembly, test, maintenance, material handling, machine operator, and/or installation; OR certificate from an accredited trade skills program in welding, A&P, manufacturing, and/or electronics.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Technical certification in machining, fabrication, or welding preferred (e.g., AWS Certified Welder or CNC Operator certification).
• Experience in operating fabrication machinery in a manufacturing setting, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Proficiency with tools and software such as CNC programming (e.g., G-code), CAD/CAM systems, and quality management software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, with knowledge of metalworking processes like rolling, bending, stamping, and heat treatment for aerospace-grade materials.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime, and weekends as needed.
• Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.
• Stand: Up to 10 hours per day.
• Sit: Up to 1 hour per day.
• Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 30 minutes to 1 hour per day.
• Overhead reach: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Walk: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 15 minutes or less per day.
• Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 3 hours per day.
• Kneel/Crouch: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day.
• Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees 30 minutes or less per day.
• Candidate must be capable of safely using an air purifying respirator, operating heavy equipment and machinery, 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.