Welding Engineer (Starship)
Core
Develop, qualify, and optimize welding designs and processes for SpaceX's Starship launch vehicles, interfacing with design-and-build engineers to enforce standardized practices on welded assemblies.
Role type
Senior IC welding engineer (aerospace manufacturing)
Builds
Full-scale Starship launch vehicle welded assemblies
Domain
Aerospace + advanced manufacturing (welding)
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
hands-on fabrication of welded assemblies, root cause analysis, NDE interpretation, process control, automated welding solutions, tooling design for welded assemblies, weld strength testing methodologies, metallographic interpretation, brazing and joining techniques
Preferred skills
Master's degree in welding engineering, hands-on welding in stainless steel/nickel-based/titanium/copper/aluminum alloys, robot programming for automated welding, understanding of ASTM/ISO/AWS welding standards, experience with optical/SEM fractography and mechanical testing
Technologies
electron beam welding, laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, orbital tube welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding, friction stir welding, plasma arc welding, thermocouples, strain gages
Responsibilities
Develop and optimize weld processes and parameters across multiple welding types; support production operations by directing manufacturing engineers and welders; conduct root cause analysis for design, manufacturing, and materials issues; collaborate with design and tooling engineers to improve welded designs; set up welding qualification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results; implement improved process control using test and NDE feedback; scope out new welding technologies to improve rate, quality, and efficiency
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC