Orbital Tube Welder II, Spacecraft
Firefly Aerospace
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.
SUMMARY
We are seeking a skilled Orbital Tube Welder II to support spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) activities. This role focuses on precision welding of spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems hardware within a cleanroom integration environment.
The ideal candidate has experience performing orbital GTAW welding on aerospace-grade tubing and thrives in a flight hardware environment where quality, traceability, and process discipline are critical. This position works closely with propulsion engineers, integration technicians, quality inspectors, and test teams to ensure spacecraft fluid systems are built to exacting aerospace standards and are ready for environmental testing and launch.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Fabricate, bend, face, fit, tack and weld propulsion tubing assemblies
- Cut, prepare, and clean tubing and fittings prior to welding
- Perform orbital welds that meet AWS D17.1 and internal aerospace quality standards
- Independently set up, operate, and maintain orbital welding equipment in accordance with qualified procedures
- Execute qualified weld schedules for a range of materials and tube sizes
- Perform visual and borescope inspections of welds and internal tube surfaces
- Work from approved 2D/3D drawings, models, and engineering documentation
- Coordinate with engineering and quality teams to resolve fabrication or inspection issues
- Safely work with hazardous materials and high-pressure systems
- Maintain a clean, organized, and controlled work environment
Physical Requirements & Work Schedule
- Ability to work all shifts, including overtime and/or weekends as required
- 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM - overtime as necessary to meet company needs
- Ability to lift to 25 lbs. unassisted
- Ability to stand for extended periods (minimum 8 hours)
- Ability to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in confined or tight spaces
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Minimum of 1 year of hands-on Orbital welding experience
- Demonstrated ability to perform Orbital welding independently without supervision
- Strong manual GTAW welding skills, including hand fitting and tack welding
- Proven ability to hand-bend and face tubing lines to specification
- Experience welding to AWS D17.1 or equivalent aerospace standards
- Ability to read and interpret aerospace 2D and 3D drawings
- Experience performing visual and borescope inspections
- Proficiency with fabrication shop equipment (band saws, grinders, sanders, drills, etc.)
- Experience in using precision measurement tools (calipers, height gauges, scales, etc.)
- Strong attention to detail, workmanship, and cleanliness
Desired:
- 3+ year of hands-on Orbital welding experience
- Experience with propulsion or high-pressure fluid systems
- Prior experience supporting aerospace flight hardware or test systems
- Certification from an orbital welding training program
- AWS D17.1 GTAW welding certification
- Familiarity with aerospace fittings such as AN and NPT
- Experience cleaning tubing systems to aerospace or medical cleanliness standards
- Experience inspecting tube assemblies using vector measuring machines
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
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.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on 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