What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisor, Welding (Starship Structural Test) position at SpaceX?
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.
SUPERVISOR, WELDING (STARSHIP STRUCTURAL TEST)
We are seeking a weld supervisor to join our team at Massey's Test Site. In this role, you will lead and empower teams responsible for building, maintaining, and upgrading structural and fluid systems that support SpaceX's test campaigns. As a weld supervisor at Starbase, you will guide a skilled team of welder fabricators in the rapid construction and welding of large assemblies. Your work will play a critical role in supporting the testing of Starship and Super Heavy vehicles at our South Texas facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Identify headcount requirements, recommend and justify methods for fulfilling those needs (full-time employees, temporary employees, or contractors), and assist with job interviews
- Attend design reviews and assist in estimating labor hours associated with project scopes of work
- Manage weekly workload distribution and welding task assignments
- Provide developmental leadership to a team of welders
- Monitor labor hours and overtime and implement time management plans with staff
- Verify that welding consumables, tools, jigs, fixtures, and inventory are appropriate to support planned projects
- Ensure that welder qualification records are accurate, current, and suitable for supporting planned projects
- Plan and ensure training requirements are met and remain up to date
- Ensure welding labor is applied to work orders appropriately to align with stated priorities and planned project timelines
- Ensure hours are accurately clocked to work orders
- Proactively address any factors (availability, materials, consumables, etc.) that may impact project timelines, providing sufficient advance notice to maintain schedules
- Assist with initiatives to reduce shop operating costs
- Enforce site and personnel safety protocols
- Review and edit documentation, including work orders, quality records, and related materials
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 5 years of professional experience with at least two of the following processes: flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), or gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
- 5 years of professional experience in metal fabrication
- 1 years of experience in a people leadership role
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 10 years of professional experience in FCAW and GMAW for structural and pipe applications, both in shop and field environments
- Experience with aluminum GTAW and GMAW
- 10 years of professional experience in metal fabrication
- 5 years of experience in a supervisory role
- Experience managing teams of more than 10 employees
- Current certification as an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (AWS CWI)
- Knowledge and experience with non-destructive evaluation (NDE) processes
- Ability to interpret drawings and weld symbols per AWS A2.4 standards
- Knowledge of AWS D1.1, D1.2, and D1.6 standards
- Familiarity with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 and B31.1 standards
- Knowledge of American Petroleum Institute (API) 1104 standards
- Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their technical applications
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Physical effort with climbing up and down stairs regularly throughout the day
- Physical effort with some handling of lightweight supplies or materials (up to 25 lbs. unassisted)
- Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
- Must be available to work extended hours and weekends when needed based on site operational needs; flexibility required
- Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
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.
