Orbital GTAW Tube Welder -- Aerospace/Spacecraft Hardware

Job Title: Orbital GTAW Tube Welder — Aerospace/Spacecraft Hardware
Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6+ months)
Pay Rate: $38–$43/hr (DOE)
Employer: ATR International, on behalf of our client, [Client Name]

About the Position

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Orbital GTAW Tube Welder to join our client's team, welding on critical spacecraft thin-walled Inconel, Titanium, and Stainless-Steel tubes. The ideal candidate brings both hands-on welding expertise and engineering knowledge to work on specialized space hardware, playing a key role in ensuring the structural integrity and precision of components built for space missions.

This role is open at multiple experience levels.

Responsibilities

• Operate orbital welding equipment (AMI M217 and Polysoude P4-4 experience preferred)
• Develop orbital weld programs for thin-wall tubing
• Work within a spacecraft build clean room environment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace
• Perform visual weld inspection using standard inspection tools
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design and test space components, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and mission requirements
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications to determine welding and fabrication requirements
• Apply engineering principles to troubleshoot and resolve welding-related issues
• Maintain welding equipment in optimal operating condition
• Conduct visual inspection of welded joints to confirm compliance with space industry quality standards
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for welding/fabrication processes
• Adhere to all safety protocols

Requirements

• Ability to produce defect-free, X-ray quality welds per AWS D17.1 specifications
• Technical training or certification in welding preferred; equivalent years of hands-on experience considered in lieu of formal training/degree
• 2–5+ years of orbital welding experience, with a focus on aerospace or space industry components
• Experience welding aerospace materials such as Titanium Ti-6Al-4V, Aluminum 6061, 316L Stainless Steel, and Inconel Alloy 625
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and specifications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work well within a team

ATR International is a staffing and workforce solutions firm providing high‐quality talent across a wide range of industries, including technology, operations, and professional services.