GSE Welder III

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24‑hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

Summary

The GSE Combination Welder position at Firefly Aerospace will be responsible for fabrication and welding of production‑level “Flight‑grade” stainless‑steel assemblies, custom steel tooling, and steel Ground Support Equipment to prints. The role involves work on R&D test site equipment, launch site fabrication & structures, and production line tooling, collaborating daily with vehicle design teams, ground support teams, operations engineers, and engineering designers across Firefly.

This position is located at our Manufacturing and Test site just north of Austin/Cedar Park, in Briggs, TX.

Responsibilities

• Perform work according to policy, procedures and specifications.
• Execute welding processes on aluminum and steel structures, assemblies, and piping to required tolerances using stick, TIG, MIG, and flux‑core techniques as applicable.
• Determine layouts and weld parts, assemblies, and piping to engineering drawings and specifications.
• Read complex piping and instrumentation diagrams and shop drawings for installation, troubleshooting, and repair of major systems, subsystems, and components.
• Perform tube, piping, and conduit installation for fluid system fabrication, upgrades, and modifications.
• Utilize a wide range of mechanical and test tools—including wrenches, sockets, torque wrenches, calipers, micrometers, plug & pin gauges—while working to specifications, identifying problems, and maintaining/calibrating equipment to performance standards.
• Conduct safety checks and operate heavy equipment such as boom lifts and forklifts.
• Perform general housekeeping and continuous improvement of site appearance.
• Travel to launch sites as required to support the overall program.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of relevant welding experience.
• Experience with MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core welding.
• Experience with structural and pipe welding.
• Good knowledge and understanding of heat applications and heat absorbents during welding to prevent warpage.
• Good knowledge of shop practices including layout, drilling, sawing, grinding, etc.
• Experience operating forklifts, cranes, and other machinery; lifting and rigging experience preferred.
• Ability to work overtime hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lb unassisted.
• Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, maneuver in tight spaces, and work on elevated structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant welding experience.
• Experience working with and welding stainless‑steel cryogenic pipe systems.
• Adept at troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical equipment problems and applying timely resolutions.
• Weld test proficiency:
  • TIG 2” sch.10 SS Pipe (6G)
  • 2” sch. 160 SS Pipe (6G)
  • STICK/FLUX ½” Tee Plate CS vertical/overhead (Stick)
  • ½” Tee Plate CS vertical/overhead (Flux)

Benefits

• Generous health, dental, and vision plans with low deductibles.
• Parental leave.
• Educational and relocation reimbursement.
• Short‑term disability.
• Flexible PTO options.

Eligibility

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.