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Key details
Why this role is notable
A frontier rocket and AI-infrastructure company is hiring traditional ironworkers to erect steel and gas-turbine power plant structures at Starbase, showing that its compute ambitions now depend on conventional heavy construction and on-site power generation rather than just software and chips.
Job Description
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.
IRONWORKER
Starbase is standing up on-site power generation for the Starbase supercomputer. This ironworker role builds the steel the plant stands on, and the reinforcing in the foundations coming out of the ground. You will erect structural framing, pipe racks, equipment platforms, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) stack steel, and set the embeds so trailer- and skid-mounted gas turbines, generators, piping, and emissions equipment can land on schedule.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Erect structural steel for power generation: turbine and generator support framing, pipe racks, equipment platforms, and SCR stack steel
- Shake out, rig, and connect columns, beams, bracing, and trusses at height; plumb and align members, then bolt up and torque connections per drawings and specs
- Install metal deck, grating, handrail, stairs, ladders, toe boards, and access steel around turbine packages, pipe racks, and stack structures
- Set embed plates, anchor bolts, and bearing surfaces so millwrights can land, level, and grout trailer- and skid-mounted turbine and generator packages
- Place and tie rebar for foundations, equipment pads, and pedestals ahead of each pour
- Read structural, erection, and placing drawings; field-fit miscellaneous iron as directed and flag drawing conflicts before steel is landed
- Rig and signal crane picks of structural members, stack sections, grating, and miscellaneous steel; keep every pick inside the lift plan
- Coordinate bolt-up, grating, and pour windows with millwrights, pipefitters, and concrete so the next craft is not waiting on steel
- Stage, move, and inventory steel, grating, rebar, hardware, and tools; keep laydown yards and work fronts orderly
- Open and close work areas: protection, debris removal, scrap segregation, and end-of-shift reset so the next crew can start immediately
- Follow fall protection, LOTO, PPE, and permit rules; do not work under a suspended load or on live systems without authorization
- Report damaged material, unsafe conditions, and drawing conflicts immediately
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- Completion of a recognized ironworker apprenticeship; OR 3+ years erecting structural steel or placing rebar on industrial or heavy commercial work; OR equivalent military experience
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Journey-level ironworker card, NCCER Ironworker, or equivalent credential
- Experience erecting pipe racks, equipment platforms, stack or boiler steel, or other power-generation structures
- Experience setting rebar, embeds, and anchor bolts on heavy equipment foundations
- Qualified rigger and/or crane signalperson (NCCCO, NCCER, or equivalent)
- Current AWS D1.1 structural welding qualification (SMAW and/or FCAW)
- OSHA 10 or equivalent training, including steel-erection fall protection
- Ability to read structural, erection, and rebar drawings and work to a bolt and torque specification
- Prior experience on power plant, data center, industrial, or heavy-civil construction sites
- Strong safety mindset and willingness to follow fall protection, LOTO, and permit rules
- Able to keep picks and pours on schedule alongside millwrights and pipefitters
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed
- Must be able to work at heights from structural steel, aerial lifts, and scaffolds
- Able to stand for long periods; climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching are required
- Able to lift at least 50 lbs. unassisted
- Must be able to work outdoors in South Texas heat, wind, and rain, and around 19% aqueous ammonia SCR equipment
- Must wear required PPE, including fall protection and respiratory protection when specified
- Able to work under adverse conditions (e.g., dirty, noisy, hot, or at height)
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.
