Smiling but tired. Love this job - Anonymous employee SpaceX Employee Review

5.0
Oct 23, 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've never admired a CEO that I've worked for until now. I really dig Musk's leadership and vision for the company. I truly feel like he cares about his workers and that he works hard to make the company succeed. I've always wanted to be a part of the space program. I hope the thrill of being here never goes away. I'm always learning and discovering. I believe this company makes me more competent in my profession. My co-workers are sharp, upbeat, and will always try to help you out. I enjoy their company and it makes facing challenges easier knowing that you have team mates standing shoulder to shoulder with you. The front line supervisors listen to you and are open to new ideas. Also, it's very stimulating to help create a new program or work environment. You can start fresh and lay things out in a helpful and efficient way versus having to deal with the inherited deficiencies of an existing system.

Cons

The pay is lower than my last 3 jobs but the work is much more demanding and challenging (But I'm an adult and I agreed to the terms, if I feel like a sucker then it's my fault) Trying to keep pace is hard on the body. But the hours are reasonable considering the pace and volume of work to be done. I give the company credit for trying to scale back the work week. But the dead lines are still there and have to be met. You have to multitask your tail off and stay on top of your "To Do" list. You can quickly get swamped if you let things slide. Cape Canaveral: You will live in a slow paced area suitable for families or retires. It's harder to have a social life, even if you can make time for it. It's my first small town, it has its' charms and drawbacks. Mostly drawbacks

Explore other reviews about SpaceX

4.0
Apr 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You learn so much because the work is so freaking intense, its a lot of fun if you're the type of person who loves to get emerged in hard problems. The hours for me were not too bad but I was the exception, all the other interns I was with dealt with 60-70+ hour weeks, some interns came in at 10am and left at 12am, when I say its intense, I'm not joking. This is however very unique to the Starbase location. I've heard Hawthorne is a lot more chill. I honestly despite how challenging the role was always look back on it with a sense of pride in my work, and longing to be back there. It really does feel that you're doing world changing things.

Cons

Very un diverse upper management, I'd say the company is pretty diverse in the lower ranks, but once you start to look at the org chart and see who's in charge, you realize that its mainly just white people. Makes you wonder if as a person of color you too will be able to move up. Housing sucks: there was limited housing on campus for full time employees, you have to wait a year plus to get off the queue and once you're off you only really get tiny homes as the option that are in an inconvenient location. Interns don't even have the option to get on campus housing, they give you 3k in a housing stipend and expect you to find a place in Brownsville. I'd say its very hard to maintain a relationship while working here if you don't have an understanding partner, the work schedule is brutal and you really can't slack off.

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