New

Sr. Welding Engineer, Combustion Devices Manufacturing (Raptor)

Hawthorne, CA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. WELDING ENGINEER, COMBUSTION DEVICES MANUFACTURING (RAPTOR) 

This Sr. Engineer role within Raptor Combustion Devices is focused on amplifying the welding capabilities of the Raptor program through the development, implementation and optimization of production processes for key subassemblies and components of the engine. Working in concert with other stakeholders, this individual will be responsible for various welding-related projects, with the intent to provide ongoing product sand process development support for Combustion Devices as well as other projects critical to Raptor reliability and/or production rate. This person will partner with passionate engineers, technicians, and others to solve difficult problems and drive towards creating the most manufacturable and reliable hardware possible for one of the world’s most powerful rocket engines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes including but not limited to: electron beam welding, laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and orbital tube welding.
  • Support operation of welding machines in a fast-paced production environment for engine subassemblies, providing direction to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques.
  • Maintain a sense of holistic ownership over complex assets including but not limited to electron beam welders and laser welders, including providing technical oversight for maintenance for and training on these machines.
  • Work closely with design, tooling, automation, and development engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing.
  • Regularly challenge each process, part, and operation while working closely with design/development engineers to create the most manufacturable and reliable engine hardware possible.
  • Partner with design, manufacturing, and materials engineering on root cause analysis for weld or process-related failures, acting as a facilitator for the feedback loop between production welding processes and their performance in the field.
  • Work closely with NDE personnel to interpret weld quality on development and flight hardware in addition to developing and implementing innovative state-of-the-art NDE techniques.
  • Conceptualize, demonstrate, and drive to completion innovating welding technologies to support high rate production targets and consistent quality, including through automation.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience with hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in welding engineering or related technical program.
  • Hands-on experience with welding of nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, and copper.
  • Experience with brazing, joining, and metallographic interpretation.
  • Fundamental understanding of welding processes, including but not limited to electron beam, laser beam, plasma arc, resistance, friction-stir, gas tungsten arc, and gas metal arc.
  • Robot programming experience for automated welding solutions.
  • Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency.
  • Understanding of weld strength testing methodologies, standards, and data acquisition systems used to make informed welding decisions (ASTM E8, E399, E740, ISO 15653, AWS D17.X, AWS C7.X, thermos-couples, strain gages, etc.).
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including, but not limited to, optical and SEM fractography/metallography, hardness, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing.
  • Expertise in design for manufacturability (DFM), with demonstrable success at taking products through development, testing, and production.
  • Strong ability to multi-task and communicate status and results with broad spectrum of internal and external departments.
  • Highly detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.
  • Track record of success in a rapidly growing, changing and highly technical environment.
  • Ability and desire to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This is a hands-on position that will require standing for long durations of your day and working directly with hardware on the floor.
  • Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
  • Position may require occasional travel, long hours, or weekend work.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Welding Engineer/Senior: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

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