Changing the arc of humanity... - Anonymous employee SpaceX Employee Review

5.0
Jul 12, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

SpaceX will fundamentally change the arc of the human experience in many different ways. Everyone knows about reinventing space access, plans to colonize mars, reinventing satellite telecommunications, etc. But what few people appreciate is the practical clear eyed view about long term technology development, business value creation and social good that will result from these activities. Many companies talk a good short term game and can entice you with lots of fluffy bait. But few companies can combine the elements above around a meaningful long term mission and purpose. Makes getting out of bed and coming into work pretty easy every day.

Cons

I would not recommend this company if you want to be a dilettante. Wasting time, energy and resources on distractions is a big no-no. This company has a few clear cut primary missions and everyone has to bring laser sharp focus on delivering against these missions. If you don't have the ability to focus, continuously raise your game and execute against the primary missions, you probably might want to look elsewhere.

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5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Stocks comp No red tape Leadership

Cons

Can be siloed at time. Pain from rapid growth. fast iteration does not suit everybody.

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* **Unmatched Mission & Impact:** You are literally working on rockets and spacecraft. The cool factor is 10/10. * **Brilliant Coworkers:** You will be surrounded by some of the smartest, most driven engineers in the world. * **Insane Career Growth:** SpaceX on your resume is a golden ticket. You will learn more here in 3 months than in 3 years at a normal company. * **Hands-on Experience:** They actually trust interns with real, critical hardware. No boring coffee-fetching tasks.

Cons

**Cons:** * **Zero Work-Life Balance:** 70-80 hours a week is the norm, not the exception. Say goodbye to your social life and sleep. * **Extreme Burnout:** The "hustle culture" is toxic. You are expected to treat the company as your entire life. * **Mediocre Pay:** The hourly pay is average, especially when you factor in the insane hours and the high cost of living in LA/Hawthorne. * **Chaotic Management:** Decisions can change overnight based on whatever Elon Musk tweets or feels like doing that morning.

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