SpaceX · 3 months ago
Tube Bender (Starship) - Level 4/5
Starbase, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expSpaceX is a company focused on developing technologies for human exploration of space, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. They are seeking a Senior Tube Bender to lead the fabrication of precision tube assemblies for the Starship vehicle, mentor junior technicians, and optimize processes while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate all tube bending operations across teams, including tube prep, flaring, CNC bending, inspection, cleaning, and integration with downstream processes like orbital tube welding (OTW)
Oversee setup, operation, and troubleshooting of advanced tube-bending equipment, ensuring adherence to ultra-tight tolerances and high-volume production demands
Work closely with engineering to prove out designs to blueprint with minimum fixtures and short schedules
Solve tube fitment issues and document changes for further development work
Mentor and train technicians on best practices, safety protocols, and advanced techniques; foster a culture of excellence
Develop and manage actions to improve both quality and productivity
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed
Must be able to work overtime and weekends as business needs dictate
Must be able to lift a min. of 25 lbs. unassisted
Must be able to stand for extended periods – 8 hours minimum
Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces
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
Preferred
Experience working with thin-walled tubing
Experience working with Inconel, titanium, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel
Experience operating and maintaining CNC bending machines and control systems – preferably Crippa, BLM and/or Horn bending machines
Experience programming and troubleshooting CNC bending machines
Ability to describe and navigate through a machine's functions, root cause recurrent issues, and identify the cross-referenced parts needed for repairs
Previous training in lean/continuous improvement tools
Ability to set up and operate tube fabrication equipment
Ability to interpret blueprints and articulate work instructions
Knowledge of tube cleaning requirements for aerospace
Knowledge of orbital tube welding (OTW)
Experience with manual tubing benders
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Charles Kuehmann
VP Materials Engineering
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-19
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