Pros
This is my first job coming out of grad school with an MS in mechanical engineering. I was a strong applicant and so was hired as a responsible engineer, who has their name on a component of the rocket or that is important to some part of flight. I am constantly learning new skills and becoming a better engineer. My boss is excellent and cares about investing in me so that I can become a more valuable team member. Work hours are reasonable and around 50 hour weeks for the most part, except around deadlines and other crunch times. I am surrounded by other driven engineers who form a young and vibrant group. It is hard to find people in engineering who are not highly driven and intelligent. Flat feeling hierarchy allows for good transparency from higher management and good communication. Truly inspirational CEO who has his head in the company in a good way and provides great guidance to the company. People here really look up to him.
Cons
The hours do get long sometimes and it can feel like you leave work just to sleep and then come back. The company moves fast and because of that, sometimes there are breakdowns in communication. Does not seem like a place with opportunity to move up and increase responsibility and leadership. The pay at SpaceX is adequate but nobody is making bank here. Benefits and hiring stock awards are competitive and make up for the pay somewhat.
