Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Salary
$100,000–$115,000 / yr
Posted
123 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $146k
This role $108k
$91k most similar roles pay here $180k

This role pays less than 90% of similar roles. Most pay $122,632–$170,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $108k versus about $146k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle

As a Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor), you will join the propulsion team to develop, deploy, and scale automated welding systems for rocket engine components. You will be responsible for creating manual and automated arc and beam welding processes for complex geometries, including regenerative cooling channels and nozzle structures made from high-performance nickel, copper, and stainless steel alloys. Your daily work involves optimizing weld paths, implementing real-time process control with advanced sensors, and building data pipelines for statistical process control and machine learning. You will utilize Python, PLC logic, and robot programming to improve production throughput and reduce defects. This role addresses the technical challenge of manufacturing high-temperature components that must withstand extreme thermal and pressure cycles while ensuring consistent weld quality through automated systems and data-driven manufacturing techniques.

What you'll do

  • Develop and improve automated arc and beam welding systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles.
  • Optimize weld paths, parameters, and sequences for complex geometries in cooling channels and nozzle structures.
  • Implement real-time weld process monitoring using sensors to track arc characteristics, temperature, and seam penetration.
  • Build data pipelines to capture manufacturing telemetry for statistical process control and machine learning defect reduction.
  • Design and develop fixture and material handling solutions for high-precision welding of various forms and materials.
  • Use Python and PLC logic to automate processes, reduce cycle times, and lower scrap rates.
  • Convert new propulsion designs into robust, scalable manufacturing processes while resolving nonconformances.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • At least 1 year of experience with welding processes for complex metallic components.
  • Proficiency in Python and industrial automation including robotic systems, PLCs, or real-time controllers.
  • Experience deploying robotic, laser, or vision-guided welding systems in production environments.
  • Expertise in welding high-performance alloys using GTAW, laser, or plasma processes.
  • Experience with rocket engine components, such as chambers, nozzles, or regeneratively cooled hardware.
  • Knowledge of real-time weld monitoring, adaptive control, and statistical process control.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.

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