TIG Welder (Starship)

As a TIG Welder at SpaceX, your responsibilities will include performing GTAW class A welds, fabricating metal components to specified dimensions, and collaborating with other technicians to ensure seamless assembly of the tank structures for the Starship and Super Heavy vehicles. You will also need to analyze engineering drawings, improve operational processes, and communicate effectively with management and engineers to achieve optimal build efficiency.

To qualify for the TIG Welder position at SpaceX, you'll need a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate along with at least one year of experience in TIG welding within a manufacturing setting. While not mandatory, having ten or more years of experience, proficiency in welding various materials, and relevant certifications such as AWS D17.1 will enhance your candidacy.

Working as a TIG Welder at SpaceX involves being part of a collaborative team in a dynamic environment. You’ll be engaged in challenging tasks that require both physical and mental agility, as you may need to work at extended heights or in confined spaces. The job may present exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat and cold, but it also offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

At SpaceX, TIG Welders typically work with a variety of materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel, aluminum, and titanium. Your experience and expertise with these materials will be vital in executing high-quality welds and fabrications, contributing to the formation of the Starship and Super Heavy structures.

While having a background in aerospace can be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for the TIG Welder position at SpaceX. What’s crucial is your proficiency in TIG welding and familiarity with manufacturing processes. SpaceX values diverse experiences and the ability to adapt, so if you meet the welding criteria and demonstrate a strong work ethic, you are encouraged to apply.

Discuss your specific experience with TIG welding and relate it to the materials and projects you've worked on. Explain how your skills align with the welding techniques required at SpaceX, emphasizing your familiarity with different types of metals and TIG welding practices.

Describe methods you use for ensuring accuracy, like checking dimensions against engineering drawings, conducting weld inspections, and applying best practices in welding techniques to minimize defects. Mention any tools you use for precision measurements.

Share a specific instance where you identified an inefficiency in a welding process and how you implemented changes that positively affected the operation's efficiency, quality, or safety.

Discuss your ability to maintain focus and deliver quality work in fast-paced situations, highlighting any relevant experiences where you successfully managed stress during critical projects.

Enumerate safety procedures you follow, including the use of personal protective equipment, awareness of your work environment, and adherence to safety protocols while working at elevations or with hazardous materials.

Illustrate your teamwork skills by explaining how you communicate with colleagues and supervisors, share knowledge, and coordinate tasks to ensure a smooth workflow and achieve project goals.

Provide an overview of the aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials you’ve worked with, emphasizing your familiarity with their unique welding requirements and any specialized techniques you employ.

Discuss specific strategies you use to identify and resolve welding problems, including analyzing the cause of defects or issues you encounter during projects and your approach to finding solutions.

Share the details of a project that pushed your skills to the limit. Describe the challenges faced, steps taken to address them, and the successful outcomes achieved.

Express your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different schedules, emphasizing your readiness to contribute to the team and meet operational needs at SpaceX, regardless of shift changes.