Frontera Space, an aerospace-focused startup, is seeking a Structural Steel Welder to join the Fabrication Department within our Production Division. Founded by Firefly Aerospace founder Tom Markusic, Frontera Space is developing next-generation aircraft and spacecraft and building the manufacturing capability required to bring those systems from concept to flight. The Structural Steel Welder will perform structural welding, fabrication, fit-up, and assembly of steel hardware, tooling, fixtures, support structures, and production infrastructure used across aerospace development and manufacturing programs. This role is intended for an experienced welder with strong SMAW/stick welding and structural steel fabrication skills. Candidates may come from a journeyman background or have equivalent experience gained through industrial, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, or similar environments. The Welder will work from engineering drawings, weld symbols, procedures, and work instructions to lay out, fit, tack, and weld structural steel assemblies while maintaining dimensional accuracy, controlling distortion, and producing consistent, high-quality welds. This is a full-time, in-person position reporting to the Director of Fabrication at Frontera Space's North Austin, TX facility. There is potential to convert from a contractor to a full-time, benefit eligible, team member. What You'll Do

• Perform TIG/GTAW, MIG/GMAW, or other qualified welding processes as required by production specifications and applicable procedures.
• Weld aerospace structures, assemblies, tubing, brackets, tanks, fixtures, and other fabricated components.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, specifications, travelers, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Perform component fit-up, alignment, tacking, welding, and post-weld finishing.
• Set up and operate welding equipment, fixtures, positioners, and associated fabrication tools.
• Verify material, dimensions, joint preparation, fit-up, and weld parameters before and during fabrication.
• Produce welds that meet applicable aerospace workmanship standards, engineering requirements, and approved weld procedures.
• Inspect completed work for visual defects, dimensional accuracy, distortion, and overall workmanship.
• Support non-destructive inspection activities and correct weld or fabrication discrepancies as directed.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, inspection records, and material traceability.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, and other Production personnel to resolve fabrication issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication processes, tooling, quality, safety, and production efficiency.
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, fixtures, and work areas in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Follow all company safety procedures, hazardous-material requirements, PPE requirements, and aerospace manufacturing controls.
• Support prototype, development, qualification, and production hardware as required.

What Success Looks Like Success as a Welder is demonstrated by consistently producing safe, precise, repeatable, and flight-quality hardware; meeting production schedules without compromising quality; maintaining excellent workmanship and documentation; and proactively identifying fabrication issues before they affect downstream manufacturing or vehicle integration. Employment Details Qualifications What We're Looking For (Requirements)

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent technical education.
• Demonstrated experience in welding and metal fabrication; aerospace, aviation, automotive, precision manufacturing, or similar experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Ability to perform accurate measurements using tools such as calipers, micrometers, scales, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to work with close dimensional tolerances and maintain consistent weld quality.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow written procedures and detailed manufacturing instructions.
• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment, gases, chemicals, and high-temperature processes.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality hardware. Bonus Points (Preferred)
• AWS, ASME, or other recognized welding certifications.
• Aerospace welding experience, particularly on flight hardware or propulsion-related components.
• Experience welding stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, titanium, or other aerospace materials.
• Experience with

GTAW/TIG

welding of thin-wall tubing, sheet, or precision assemblies.

• Experience with pressure vessels, propellant systems, cryogenic hardware, or fluid systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace workmanship standards and weld inspection requirements.
• Experience working from GD&T drawings and controlled manufacturing documentation.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume, prototype, or rapid-development manufacturing environment.
• Experience with weld fixtures, precision fit-up, and distortion control. Core Competencies
• Welding & Fabrication Excellence
• Precision and Attention to Detail
• Safety Mindset
• Quality Ownership
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Engineering Drawing Interpretation
• Problem Solving
• Team Collaboration
• Production Discipline
• Continuous Improvement Working Conditions
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, kneel, and work in fabrication and production environments for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift and handle production materials and tooling within applicable company limits.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including welding helmet, gloves, protective clothing, eye/face protection, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when required.
• Work may involve exposure to heat, welding fumes, noise, sparks, gases, chemicals, and industrial equipment.
• May require occasional work outside normal business hours, including overtime, weekends, or shift work, to support production schedules and vehicle development milestones.

Export Control Eligibility Certain positions supported by this role may involve work subject to U.S. export-control laws and regulations. Candidates for those roles may be required to meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility requirements. Equal Opportunity Employer Frontera Space is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information Why Join Us? Join Frontera Space at an early stage and help create a transformational aerospace platform designed to change how high-speed aircraft and access-to-space systems are developed, manufactured, and operated. You will have the opportunity to influence the vehicle architecture, solve foundational technical challenges, and see your work move rapidly from analysis and design into hardware, testing, and flight. As an early team member, you will take on broad ownership, help establish the engineering culture, and directly shape both the product and the company. Frontera Space offers meaningful equity participation and the chance to create lasting value while working on technology with the potential to redefine aerospace performance, affordability, and operational capability. This is an opportunity to do more than contribute to an established program—it is a chance to help build the vehicle, the team, and the company from the ground up.

Pay:

$25.00 - $45.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person