Supervisor, Welding (Starship Launch)

As the Supervisor, Welding at SpaceX, you will oversee a team of welders, ensuring they build and integrate primary and secondary structures for the Starship Launch Towers and Mounts. This includes developing welding procedures, managing labor resources, maintaining production weld quality, mentoring junior team members, and enforcing site safety protocols.

To qualify for the Supervisor, Welding position at SpaceX, candidates should have at least a high school diploma, along with 5+ years of professional welding experience and 2+ years in a leadership role. Preferred skills include experience managing a team, knowledge of welding codes, and proficiency in various welding techniques.

The work environment for the Supervisor, Welding at SpaceX is dynamic and challenging. You will be exposed to varying outdoor conditions and work at elevated heights while fostering a collaborative atmosphere that promotes hard work, creativity, and innovation within your team.

At SpaceX, the Supervisor, Welding position opens up several career growth opportunities. With exemplary performance, you could advance to higher management roles within welding or other engineering departments, contributing to larger projects and initiatives tied to space exploration.

SpaceX provides a comprehensive benefits package for its Supervisor, Welding employees, including competitive salary, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and generous paid time off, which includes vacation and holidays.

To ensure quality control in welding operations, I advocate for strict adherence to welding procedures and standards, frequent inspections during the welding process, and regular training sessions for my team to familiarize them with quality expectations. Documentation of weld quality checks also helps maintain accountability.

In my previous roles, I have gained extensive experience with various welding techniques, including GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW. I understand the applications and nuances of each method and integrate them considering the materials and structural requirements of the project.

I believe in addressing conflicts directly and swiftly, promoting open communication among team members. By facilitating discussions, encouraging collaboration, and focusing on the common goal of delivering quality results, I have successfully resolved issues and maintained team morale.

In the welding environment, I prioritize safety by conducting regular safety meetings, ensuring all team members are trained in PPE usage, and maintaining compliance with OSHA standards and company safety protocols. I also advocate for an environment where employees feel empowered to voice safety concerns.

Effective project management strategies include creating detailed project plans, setting clear milestones, and maintaining open lines of communication with my team. Using tracking tools ensures we stay on schedule, and regular check-ins enable me to monitor progress and adjust resources as necessary.

When assessing a candidate for a welding position, I look for hands-on experience that aligns with the techniques we use, knowledge of welding codes, and the ability to interpret technical drawings. A practical test can also be beneficial in determining their welding skills.

My leadership style revolves around empowerment and collaboration. I strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone's input is valued, ensuring that my team feels supported while motivating them to take ownership of their tasks.

Staying current with welding technology involves continuous learning through trade publications, participating in industry conferences, and enrolling in training sessions to understand emerging techniques, materials, and standards. Networking with other professionals also helps me stay informed.

One successful project I led involved a critical structural weld for a new component. By implementing a collaborative approach, we completed the project ahead of schedule while exceeding quality standards, earning recognition from upper management.

The most rewarding aspect of being a welding supervisor is witnessing the transformation of raw materials into sturdy, functional components that support ambitious projects. Knowing that my team's efforts contribute to groundbreaking endeavors fuels my passion and dedication.