Welder and Fabrication Technician

As a Welder and Fabrication Technician at Vast, your key responsibilities will include welding the Haven structure for human spaceflight, operating mechanized and robotic welding equipment, and inspecting fabricated parts for geometry acceptance and weld conformance. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with engineering to improve tools and processes while fabricating and welding tooling to support the Haven project.

To qualify for the Welder and Fabrication Technician role at Vast, you need a minimum of 2 years of experience in Class A TIG welding, along with fabrication and forming experience. Having automated or robotic welding experience, particularly in aerospace settings, is favored. Familiarity with reading engineering blueprints and experience working with x-ray technicians are also advantageous.

Key skills for a Welder and Fabrication Technician at Vast include strong proficiency in Class A TIG welding, an ability to operate a range of metal fabrication equipment, and problem-solving skills for diagnosing weld defects. Being a self-starter and thriving in a fast-paced environment will help you excel in this role, as well as your capacity to follow both verbal and written instructions.

While experience with robotic welding is preferred for the Welder and Fabrication Technician position at Vast, it is not strictly necessary. However, candidates who possess this skill will have an advantage, as it aligns with our innovative fabrication processes and helps enhance our space station development efforts.

Vast offers a competitive salary range for the Welder and Fabrication Technician role, starting from $24.00 to $36.00 depending on your experience and qualifications. Additionally, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage, company equity, flexible paid time off, and other enticing perks aimed at ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

When answering this question, be specific about your years of experience and the types of projects you've worked on. Highlight any specialized training you underwent and the quality standards you adhered to in your welding tasks.

Discuss the various steps you take to maintain high quality, such as inspecting your work periodically, following inspection protocols, and any specific techniques you use to diagnose and repair weld defects.

Mention the specific equipment you have experience operating, such as vertical bandsaws or sanding equipment. If you have experience with less common tools or automated systems, be sure to include that, as it will show your versatility.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Explain the context, your role, the specific actions you took to resolve the challenge, and the outcome of your efforts.

You should express an understanding of safety protocols, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE), following safety guidelines during equipment operation, and quickly addressing unsafe conditions. Share examples of how you have contributed to safety training or improvements in previous jobs.

Talk about your commitment to continuous learning through workshops, certification courses, or staying updated on industry standards. Mention any resources, like professional organizations or online forums, you consult for advice or new techniques.

Describe your approach to teamwork, emphasizing effective communication, your willingness to seek feedback, and the importance of aligning fabrication processes with engineering specifications to achieve project goals.

Outline the systematic steps you take for equipment setup, including selecting the appropriate settings, checking for any defects, ensuring safety measures are in place, and preparing for the specific materials you will be working with.

Be honest about your proficiency. If you're skilled, provide specific examples of blueprints you've worked from and how you've translated those into fabrication tasks. If you're still learning, indicate what steps you're taking to improve in this area.

This is an opportunity to showcase your industry knowledge. Discuss challenges such as meeting strict quality standards, working with advanced materials, or adapting to automation in the field. Relate your thoughts to how you would address these challenges.