Manager, Welding (Starship Launch Hardware)

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.

MANAGER, WELDING (STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE)

The Manager, Welding is responsible for leading a high-performing team of welders in support of fabrication, testing, launch, and fleet operations. This highly technical and hands-on role focuses on driving continuous improvement in safety, productivity, labor planning, and work center performance. The successful candidate will be a proactive leader, capable of managing complex weld projects, developing and reporting key metrics, optimizing labor through forecasting tools, and implementing technologies that improve efficiency and throughput. This role requires close coordination with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and support organizations, to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and delivery are met or exceeded.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead and manage a team of welders and supervisors in a dynamic, high-mix, high-complexity environment across fabrication, fluids piping, and structural weld operations.
• Develop and maintain labor forecasting tools to estimate labor hours on weldments and proactively allocate resources across projects and sites.
• Own metric reporting on safety, productivity, throughput, and quality to drive accountability and highlight improvement opportunities.
• Leverage technology and automation (e.g., digital tools, sensors, data analytics) to increase work center efficiency and reduce labor waste.
• Maintain and improve work centers by optimizing layout, equipment usage, and workflow based on data and lean principles.
• Manage specialty tooling and fixture design required for weld operations, ensuring proper maintenance and calibration.
• Enforce and continuously promote a culture of safety, adhering to OSHA, site-specific, Air Force Range, NASA, and company regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to welders and front-line supervisors; support certification and skill development.
• Analyze operational data to validate process capability and hardware performance; implement corrective actions when needed.
• Participate in design and manufacturing reviews to ensure fabrication feasibility, sequence optimization, and technical alignment.
• Review and edit documentation, including work reports, procedures, and weld inspection records.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution, incorporating customer feedback into operations.
• React to rapidly changing priorities with flexibility and professionalism, including travel to other sites as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related technical field or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 6+ years of experience in welding and/or fabrication operations.
• 3+ years in a leadership role, managing teams in a manufacturing or production environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Expertise in AWS codes: D1.1 (Structural Steel), D1.6 (Stainless Steel), D1.2 (Aluminum), and ASME B31.3 (Process Piping).
• Experience estimating labor for complex weldments and managing labor capacity through forecasting.
• Proficient in interpreting drawings and weld symbols (AWS A2.4) and applying GD&T principles.
• Hands-on experience with aluminum, inconel, and stainless-steel welding using GTAW and GMAW processes.
• In-depth knowledge of weld inspection processes or current/prior certification as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing principles and work center optimization initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of data analytics, dashboards, and metric reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel).
• Familiarity with ERP and MRP systems for labor and material planning.
• Previous work on high-profile projects in the aerospace, defense, or heavy fabrication industries.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
• Must be able to work in tight quarters, elevated areas, and extreme environments (heat, cold, rain, noise).
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%. 
• Valid driver’s license.

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.