Welding Automation Engineer, Chamber and Nozzle (Raptor)

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.

WELDING AUTOMATION ENGINEER, CHAMBER AND NOZZLE (RAPTOR) 

SpaceX is seeking an engineer with deep expertise in automated welding to create the Raptor engine’s combustion chamber and nozzle. These components feature some of the most complex geometries in rocket propulsion — including intricate regenerative cooling channels, thin-walled high-temperature alloys, and tight-tolerance surfaces that must survive extreme thermal and pressure cycles across hundreds of reuse cycles. 

You will design, implement, and scale manual and automated welding systems that increase production throughput, improve weld consistency, and reduce defects while enabling rapid design iteration. This role sits at the intersection of propulsion engineering, weld engineering, with aspects of real-time process control, and data-driven quality systems. 

Your work will directly enable rapid iteration and high-volume production of Raptor chambers and nozzles. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, deploy and iteratively improve automated welding systems for Raptor combustion chambers and nozzles, including manual and automated arc and beam welding processes 
• Design and optimize automated weld paths, parameters, and sequences for complex geometries in regenerative cooling channels and nozzle structures
• Implement weld process control with real-time monitoring of arc characteristics, temperature, seam tracking, and penetration using advanced sensors
• Build and maintain data pipelines that capture manufacturing telemetry to enable statistical process control, predictive analytics, and machine learning models for defect reduction and process optimization 
• Develop fixture and material handling solutions that support high-precision welding in a wide variety of forms and materials
• Drive continuous improvement of welding automation through scripting (Python), PLC logic, and advanced process modeling to reduce cycle time and scrap rates
• Partner closely with propulsion design, materials, production, and supply chain teams to convert new designs into robust, scalable processes, resolve nonconformances, and drive design changes that improve manufacturability, reliability, and performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with welding processes for complex metallic components 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with industrial automation (robotic welding systems, PLCs, or real-time controllers)
• Demonstrated success deploying robotic welding, laser welding, or vision-guided welding systems in production environments 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment with aggressive schedules
• Ability to work well in an integrated and collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers 
• Direct experience welding rocket engine chambers, nozzles, or regeneratively cooled hardware
• Expertise in welding of high-performance alloys (nickel and copper alloys, stainless steels) 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 larger manufacturing lines
• Familiarity with non-destructive evaluation tied to welding (ultrasonic, X-ray, CT, or thermography)
• Knowledge of statistical process control, GD&T, and data-driven methods for weld quality prediction 
• Highly self-motivated with strong organizational and written/oral communication skills – able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with the ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able stand for long durations (8 hours minimum) and work directly with hardware on the floor.
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• 10% travel in support of launch and test of hardware.
• Flexibility in working hours to production and launch cadence.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $160,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].