Tube Bender

As a Tube Bender at SpaceX, you'll be responsible for fabricating high-precision tube assemblies for pivotal projects, such as Falcon 9 and Dragon Spacecraft. Key responsibilities include operating CNC rotary draw bending machines and CNC tube cutting equipment while adhering to tight tolerances. A focus on safety, organization, and cleanliness in the workspace is critical, as is the ability to lift and maneuver in tight spaces.

To qualify for the Tube Bender position at SpaceX, candidates need a high school diploma or equivalency, along with at least one year of experience in a manufacturing or production environment. Preferred qualifications include experience with various metals such as Inconel and titanium, as well as a minimum of three years as a tube bender. Familiarity with tube bending machines is highly advantageous.

Tube Benders at SpaceX can anticipate working various shifts, including early morning and afternoon schedules. The estimated start times for the first shift are typically at 4 AM, while the second shift begins around 3 PM. Flexibility is required as candidates may also need to work weekends and overtime as necessary.

SpaceX ensures that Tube Benders receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with a 401(k) plan. Employees are also entitled to paid vacation and holidays, disability insurance, life insurance, and potential bonuses. Stock options and an employee stock purchase plan are available as well, adding significant value to the total rewards package.

At SpaceX, safety is the number one priority for Tube Benders and all employees. This commitment incorporates maintaining a clean and organized workspace and following established safety protocols while operating machinery. Regular training and ongoing safety evaluations help ensure that everyone remains vigilant and contributes to a safe working environment.

When addressing your experience with tube bending machinery, be specific about the types of machines you've operated, any related software you utilized, and the materials you worked with. Highlight how you maintained precision and adhered to safety standards during the operation.

For this question, share a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills. Discuss the challenges you faced, how you approached them, and the final outcome. Demonstrating quantifiable results or improvements can add impact to your response.

Explain your quality control measures. This can include conducting checks during the fabrication process, using precision measurement tools, and performing final inspections to verify that everything is within the specified tolerances.

Share specific safety protocols you follow, emphasizing your understanding of equipment safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), and any relevant training. Mention how you prioritize a safe work environment for yourself and your team.

Discuss your time management strategies, focusing on prioritization and organization. Share any tools or techniques you utilize to stay on track, such as checklists or scheduling software, and provide examples of how this has helped you meet deadlines.

Be prepared to list the materials you have worked with, such as Inconel, aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. You can also discuss any different techniques or adjustments needed based on material properties and thickness.

Discuss your belief in the importance of a clean and organized workspace and the steps you take to achieve this. You could talk about daily routines, tools you use for cleaning, and how maintaining order helps improve productivity and safety.

Address the importance of proactive communication in your response. Explain that you would immediately report the hazard to the appropriate personnel and take steps to ensure the situation is contained until it is remedied.

Describe your openness to feedback, emphasizing how constructive criticism is essential for growth. Share examples of how you have integrated feedback into your work to improve processes or outcomes.

Articulate your passion for the aerospace industry and SpaceX's mission. Discuss what excites you about supporting projects that aim for multi-planetary existence, and how your skills align with the company's goals.