Manager, Welding (Starship Launch Hardware) Cape Canaveral, FL

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.

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors 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 drivers 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.