Aerospace Welder III

Job Description

Job Description

AEROSPACE WELDER III

ABOUT

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly skilled Aerospace Welder III to support spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) activities through precision manual GTAW (TIG) and orbital tube welding of flight-critical propulsion and fluid system hardware. This position is responsible for fabricating, fitting, welding, inspecting, and troubleshooting complex aerospace tubing assemblies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, and process control.

The ideal candidate is an experienced aerospace welder with extensive knowledge of orbital and manual TIG welding processes, capable of independently executing complex welds, supporting engineering development efforts, mentoring junior welders, and ensuring all hardware meets flight qualification requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently fabricate, fit, bend, face, tack, and weld complex aerospace tubing assemblies using both manual GTAW (TIG) and orbital welding processes.

• Perform precision welding on stainless steel, Inconel, titanium, aluminum, and other aerospace alloys in accordance with qualified welding procedures.

• Set up, program, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain orbital welding equipment for a variety of tube sizes, materials, and wall thicknesses.

• Develop and optimize weld parameters for new hardware, prototypes, and production builds in coordination with Manufacturing and Welding Engineering.

• Execute qualified weld schedules while maintaining full compliance with AWS D17.1 and internal aerospace welding standards.

• Perform manual TIG welding in locations where orbital welding is not feasible, ensuring high-quality cosmetic and structural welds.

• Fabricate complex propulsion and high-pressure fluid system assemblies from engineering drawings, models, and work instructions.

• Perform visual, dimensional, and borescope inspections of completed welds and identify nonconformances.

• Interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, specifications, and manufacturing documentation to ensure compliance with design requirements.

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, NDE, and Integration teams to resolve fabrication challenges and improve manufacturability.

• Assist in root cause investigations and corrective actions related to weld quality or fabrication issues.

• Mentor and train personnel on fabrication techniques, welding best practices, equipment operation, and workmanship standards.

• Support qualification of new welding procedures, tooling, fixtures, and production processes.

• Maintain tooling, welding equipment, purge systems, and cleanroom work areas in production-ready condition.

• Handle flight hardware using contamination control practices while maintaining aerospace cleanliness requirements.

• Support production schedules by working overtime, alternate shifts, or weekends when required.

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of aerospace TIG (GTAW) welding experience, including orbital tube welding.

• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex manual TIG and orbital welds with minimal supervision.

• Extensive experience welding to AWS D17.1 or equivalent aerospace welding specifications.

• Strong understanding of aerospace tubing fabrication including facing, fitting, alignment, and purge techniques.

• Experience welding propulsion systems, high-pressure tubing, or spacecraft fluid systems.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and 3D CAD models.

• Experience performing visual, borescope, and dimensional inspections of welded assemblies.

• Proficiency using precision measurement equipment including calipers and micrometers.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to welding processes and hardware fabrication.

• Excellent attention to detail with commitment to producing flight-quality hardware.

• Ability to mentor junior technicians and provide technical guidance within the welding team.

Preferred

• AWS D17.1 GTAW Welding Certification.

• Orbital welding certification from a recognized equipment manufacturer or training program.

• Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, satellite, or rocket propulsion programs.

• Experience working within ISO, AS9100, or aerospace quality systems.

• Familiarity with aerospace fittings including AN, MS, VCR, VCO, NPT, and orbital tube fittings.

• Experience with aerospace cleanliness standards including LOX-compatible cleaning and contamination control.

• Knowledge of weld procedure qualification (PQR/WPS), process validation, and weld development.

• Experience supporting first article inspections, qualification hardware, and production transition.

Physical Requirements & Work Schedule

• Ability to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the workday.

• Ability to bend, kneel, crawl, and work in confined spaces when performing vehicle integration.

• Ability to work safely in cleanroom and manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.

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.