Tube Bender (Starship)

About the role

Become a vital member of the SpaceX team, where you will be responsible for the precise fabrication of tube assemblies integral to the Starship vehicle. This position demands a solid mechanical background along with practical experience in manufacturing processes. Your contributions will play a crucial role in advancing technologies that support human habitation on Mars.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee all aspects of tube bending operations, which encompass preparation, flaring, CNC bending, inspection, and cleaning processes.
• Set up and operate tube bending machinery, ensuring that all products meet stringent specifications and tolerances.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to verify designs based on blueprints, utilizing minimal fixtures while adhering to tight deadlines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to tube fitment, documenting any modifications for future reference and development.
• Initiate and manage projects aimed at enhancing product quality and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to promote safety and efficiency.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
• Train and mentor junior team members on best practices in tube bending and fabrication techniques.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline operations and reduce waste.
• Document all processes and changes in a clear and concise manner for future reference.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and protocols during manufacturing operations.
• Assist in the development of new bending techniques and processes to improve overall production capabilities.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or an equivalent certification is required.
• A minimum of one year of experience in a manufacturing or production environment is essential.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including the possibility of overtime and weekends when necessary.
• Physical capability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs without assistance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, with a minimum of 8 hours required.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, crawl, and navigate confined spaces as part of the job.
• Must be able to perform tasks such as standing for up to 6 hours, sitting for up to 1 hour, and walking for up to 6 hours daily.
• Ability to push or pull loads of up to 75 lbs without assistance for durations of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Must be able to reach overhead for up to 1 hour daily.
• Capability to climb ladders or stairs for up to 1 hour per day.
• Must be able to kneel or crouch for up to 3 hours per day and perform upper body twists for similar durations.
• Must be able to work in environments with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees for short periods.
• Must be able to safely use an air-purifying respirator when required.
• Experience operating heavy machinery and equipment is necessary.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with thin-walled tubing is preferred.
• Experience working with materials such as Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel is advantageous.
• Knowledge of CNC bending machines and control systems, particularly Crippa, BLM, or Horn, is a plus.
• Prior training in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies is beneficial.
• Ability to set up and operate tube fabrication equipment effectively.
• Proficiency in interpreting blueprints and conveying work instructions clearly.
• Understanding of aerospace tube cleaning standards is a valuable asset.
• Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW) techniques is a plus.
• Experience with manual tubing benders is advantageous.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in operating CNC bending machines (Crippa, BLM, Horn).
• Familiar with tube fabrication equipment and processes.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints for manufacturing purposes.

Practical notes

In accordance with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylees under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Alternatively, candidates must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. A pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical examination may be required to assess physical capabilities, including a review of medical history.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.