Pipe Welder
Posted 22 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Pipe Welder, Stage 0 Ground Fabriciation (Starship) - Night Shift”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
No salary listed for this role.
Study levelCertificate
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.
PIPE WELDER, STAGE 0 GROUND FABRICATION (STARSHIP) - NIGHT SHIFT
Join an elite team of pipe fitters and welders at Starbase, TX. As a stage 0 ground support equipment (GSE) pipe welder, you’ll be directly responsible for executing precision fits and high-integrity welds on complex GSE pipe systems that directly enable vehicle testing and historic Starship flights from the Texas coast.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Fit and weld complex stainless steel piping systems using various welding processes (manual and semi-automatic) for launch and test sites
- Under the supervision of a lead welder, analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable
- Ability to visually inspect per American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 (normal and high-pressure service) with proper training
- Obtain and maintain internal licenses, operator permits, or certifications as required
- Make a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly
- Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities based on program needs
- Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 2+ years of experience using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or gas metal arc welding (GMAW - STT/RMD) on stainless steel pipe
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of experience using GTAW, GMAW (STT/RMD), or FCAW-G on stainless steel piping systems
- 2+ years experience on duplex stainless steel (any process)
- 3+ years of pipe fitting experience
- 3+ years of blueprint/isometric drawing reading experience directly relating to pipe systems
- Knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, AWS/ASME codes, and engineering requirements
- Knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in relation to welding
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
- Experience with precision measuring instruments such as theodolite, total station, or laser levels
- Experience in overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging
- Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment