Apprentice Welder
Spacex
Salary undisclosed
Need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview? Contact us.
JobMinglr uses automated technology to recommend jobs based on profile information and job preferences. Match Score does not determine eligibility for a position, prevent a user from viewing or applying to a job, or make hiring decisions on behalf of an employer.
Description
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.
APPRENTICE WELDER
We are currently seeking an apprentice welder to join our Texas Test Site. This position requires specialized trade skills to meet welding requirements and operational needs. The position is responsible for performing the duties of an apprentice welder and the weld support team (plasma programming/operation, saw operation, material movement in and around the shop, and cross-training across these functions).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform tasks such as plasma table programming, operating a band saw, chop saw, and manually drilling or milling materials
- Analyze engineering drawings to determine dimensions and tolerances of cut parts
- Obtain and maintain 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 with leaders to complete the assignment/project, solve problems, meet deadlines, and review issues for consistent improvement
- Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree or certification from a 2-year technical school
- 2+ years of experience (experience from a college welding program qualifies) in two of the following processes: Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding/stick welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/TIG welding (GTAW), or Gas Metal Arc Welding/MIG welding (GMAW)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- 1+ years of experience with plasma table programming/operating
- Ability to use measuring instruments of all types
- Experience working in cutting or machining operations
- Experience in a high-mix, low-volume (job shop) manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade
- Ability to rapidly change focus while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, climb, twist the upper body, and work in confined spaces
- Ability to stand for extended periods (8 hours minimum)
- Ability to lift heavy objects up to 45 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet with proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ability to respond to emergencies to support priority projects, missions, and launches
- Available to work extended hours and weekends depending on site operational needs
- Ability to work in extreme outdoor environments – heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.
- Work performed in an environment exposed to fumes, odors, sparks, and noise
- Must be willing to travel nationally for up to four weeks – travel will be less than 15%
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.
About this role
SpaceX's Texas Test Site is hiring an apprentice welder to support rocket testing and development operations in McGregor. You'll work hands-on with welding processes—FCAW, SMAW, TIG, and MIG—while also operating plasma tables, band saws, and other shop equipment. The role blends traditional welding craft with manufacturing support: you'll read engineering drawings, program cutting equipment, move materials, and continuously look for ways to improve workflows alongside experienced leaders.
This is a physically demanding position that requires you to stand for full 8-hour shifts, work at heights up to 300 feet, lift up to 45 lbs regularly, and operate in outdoor conditions ranging from extreme heat to rain. You'll also need to be flexible about schedule—extended hours and weekend work are part of the role depending on launch timelines, and occasional national travel (under 15% of the time) may be required.
To qualify, you need an associate degree or 2-year technical certification plus at least two years of hands-on experience in multiple welding processes. Plasma table experience is preferred but not required. You must be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, refugee, or asylee due to ITAR export regulations. This role suits someone with solid welding credentials who's ready to work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment where operational needs sometimes drive the schedule.
How this employer is doing
average
- News: Recently Raised Funding
- Recent Acquisition
In the news
SpaceX takes aim at US wireless carriers with spectrum acquisition, Reuters
This role's local market on JobMinglr
Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable Apprentice Welder postings in McGregor, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
The path into this work
We map every route into welder work: what to learn, what each certificate costs, and how long each step takes. See the Welder career path.
Before you apply, worth reading
How JobMinglr reads this job
Every listing here is scored against your profile before you apply: skills overlap, experience level, location and work arrangement, each weighted and explained. You see the score and the reasons, not just a list. How the matching works.