Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Salary
$100,000–$115,000 / yr
Posted
today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $149k
This role $108k
$91k most similar roles pay here $180k

This role pays less than 88% of similar roles. Most pay $128,650–$170,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $108k versus about $149k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 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 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

SpaceX is hiring a Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor) to design and implement automated welding systems for the Raptor engine’s combustion chamber and nozzle, featuring intricate geometries and high-temperature alloys. This role involves developing and optimizing manual and automated arc and beam welding processes, implementing real-time process control with advanced sensors, and building data pipelines for statistical process control and predictive analytics. The engineer will use Python scripting, PLC logic, and offline robot programming to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency and quality. Key skills include expertise in GTAW, laser, or plasma welding of high-performance alloys, experience with robotic welding systems, and knowledge of real-time weld monitoring and closed-loop feedback systems.

What you'll do

  • Develop and deploy automated welding systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles.
  • Design optimized weld paths and sequences for complex geometries in regenerative cooling channels.
  • Implement real-time process control with advanced sensors for monitoring and quality assurance.
  • Build data pipelines to capture manufacturing telemetry for statistical process control and analytics.
  • Develop fixture solutions supporting high-precision welding of various forms and materials.

What we're looking for

  • 1+ years of experience with welding processes for complex metallic components.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation systems.
  • Demonstrated success deploying robotic welding, laser welding, or vision-guided welding systems.
  • Expertise in welding high-performance alloys using GTAW, laser, or plasma processes.
  • Background in real-time weld monitoring, adaptive control, and closed-loop feedback systems.
  • Experience with offline robot programming, weld simulation software, and integrating welding cells into manufacturing lines.

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