JOB DETAILS

NDE Inspector Trainee (Starship) - Temporary

CompanySpaceX
LocationUnited States
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 20, 2026
About The Company
SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary. SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA. For more information, visit www.spacex.com.
About the Role

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.

NDE INSPECTOR TRAINEE (STARSHIP) - TEMPORARY

An NDE Inspector trainee position at SpaceX sits within the NDE Operations team. The purpose of this role is to train effectively and quickly to become qualified and certified across needed NDE applications. A successful individual in this role is studious, autonomous, and motivated to start a career within nondestructive evaluation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Studiously train with multiple NDE Inspectors to gain on-the-job training (OJT)
  • Leverage OJT and self-study to effectively prepare for and pass certification examinations and practical tests
  • Become certified in the necessary and assigned NDE methods
  • Perform NDE inspections with the applicable NDE methods
  • Interpret, evaluate, communicate, and report findings to production and engineering teams
  • Interpret and review engineering drawings as required
  • Support the development of NDE inspection techniques for complex geometries
  • Support research and development of future NDE technology for operational improvements
  • Assist in training and developing others within the team

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a temporary position with SpaceX for the duration stated, subject to change with minimal notice based on business needs. Temporary employees who successfully complete the assignment may be eligible for conversion to full-time roles.

  • LENGTH OF POSITION: 3 months
  • LOCATION: Brownsville, TX
  • SHIFT: Must be available for all shifts (day shift, 6 AM - 6 PM or night shift, 6 PM - 6 AM), overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 2+ years of professional welding experience
  • Certificate of completion in two or more of the following NDE methods from an NDE training program or school: Liquid penetrant (PT) or visual inspection (VT) in line with ASNT-TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance
  • Nondestructive evaluation level I certification in line with ASNT TC-1A, NAS-410, or DOD guidance in one of the following methods: Eddy current (ET), radiography (RT), digital radiography (DR), dye penetrant (PT), visual inspection (VT), computed radiography (CR), phase array (PAUT), ultrasonic (UT), ultrasonic shear wave (UTSW), or magnetic particle (MT)
  • Operational experience using one of the listed NDE methods for the inspection of weldments
  • Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel
  • Knowledge of AMS, AWS/ASME, ASTM
  • Experience with problem solving tools and techniques: practical problem solving (PPS), Eight Disciples (8D)
  • Basic understanding of lean principles: 5S, Kaizen, continuous improvement initiatives

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Stand: Up to 10 hours per day 
  • Sit: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 75lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day 
  • Overhead reach: Up to 1 hour per day 
  • Walk: Up to 3 hours per day 
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) 2 hours or longer per day 
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): up to 6 hours per day 
  • Kneel/Crouch: up to 3 hours per day 
  • Upper body twist: Up to 6 hours per day 
  • Ability to work in temperatures over 80 degrees: up to 3 hours per day 
  • Candidate must be capable of safely working at heights (up to 500ft), in confined spaces, using an air purifying respirator, and performing the physical requirements of the job listed in the job description. Candidate may be required to complete a pre-employment questionnaire and/or physical to confirm these capabilities, which may include a medical history review

 

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com

Key Skills
NDE InspectionTrainingCertification ExaminationsNDE MethodsInterpretationReportingEngineering Drawings ReviewInspection Techniques DevelopmentResearch And DevelopmentWeldingLiquid Penetrant (PT)Visual Inspection (VT)Eddy Current (ET)Radiography (RT)Ultrasonic (UT)Magnetic Particle (MT)
Categories
EngineeringManufacturingTradesScience & Research
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The primary responsibility is to train effectively and quickly to become qualified and certified across needed Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) applications, including performing inspections and reporting findings to production and engineering teams. This role also involves supporting the development of NDE inspection techniques and assisting in training other team members.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
18231
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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