Super cool, but tiring, place to work - Anonymous employee SpaceX Employee Review

5.0
Jan 31, 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've been working here for just over three months. It's an exceptionally cool place to work - being involved in rocket launches is just, well cool. You get to think outside the box, come up with novel ideas to overcome challenges - I like that there isn't a "that's the way we've always done it" mentality and relatively light bureaucracy to get things done. Insurance is second to none - absolutely fantastic.

Cons

Work-life balance SUCKS. Work schedules constantly change (due to the nature of the business) and it's difficult to plan things. For those who want overtime, it's there in abundance. However, for those who do not want overtime, it's still there in abundance. Also, in my particular profession, vertical opportunities are slim. However, I lateral opportunities can exist if you're willing to go for it. Lack of a matching 401(k) is a big draw back; Also, in a field that is constantly evolving, tuition reimbursement would be a huge plus.

Explore other reviews about SpaceX

5.0
Jun 17, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

good place to work and earn money

Cons

Heavy workload and long time work

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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