Certified Welding Inspector, NDE (Launch)

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.

About the role

The NDE Operations organization at SpaceX is an interdisciplinary team committed to providing high-quality inspections of flight components and production assemblies. As an NDE Level II Inspector, you will have broad exposure to a large diversity of inspection types across Falcon, Dragon, Starship, and Raptor programs. You will engage with processes to drive continuous improvement and help execute the mission to make humanity interplanetary.

Responsibilities

• Perform internal and external inspections to determine if a weldment/structure meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or document
• Interpret codes and specifications in accordance with the drawing requirements
• Use a computer to compile and submit data of acceptance or rejection of inspections, as well as for inter-office communications
• Recommend and approve repairs as well as perform visual inspection of work in progress and completed work
• Monitor welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and plasma arc welding (PAW) to ensure they are performed in accordance with qualified procedures
• Verify and document welder qualifications
• Verify the compliance of base metals with the applicable specifications
• Appraise welding joint designs and joint preparations for compliance with drawing
• Verify proper fit, cleanliness, and environmental conditions
• Verify tack weld quality
• Verify preheat and interpass temperatures
• Assure the proper control and handling of welding consumables
• Verify the interpass and final cleaning
• Assure product conformity to drawings and specifications
• Verify cleanliness and weld surface quality
• Oversee NDT examinations, proof, and mechanical testing if required
• Oversee repair activities
• Verify the proper performance of post-weld heat treatments
• Confirm adequate documentation of fabrication and inspection activities
• Assist in training and developing of other teammates
• Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries
• Interpret and review engineering drawings as required
• Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams
• Conduct vendor surveillance audits of welding and inspection work as needed

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
• Must be able to lift 25lbs unassisted, bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk
• Must be willing to work overtime and/or on weekends to meet critical deadlines if needed
• Ability to pass Space Force background check for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg
• Ability to travel to other SpaceX locations as needed (up to 50%)
• 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

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification
• 2+ years of experience as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Extensive knowledge of industry standards including ABS, AWS, and ASME
• Working knowledge of surface and subsurface NDE methodologies
• Nondestructive Evaluation Level II certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in Eddy current (ET)