Pros
Work at Spacex is demanding but rewarding. There are few if any other places in the world where you'll find the opportunities Spacex offers. Highlights include: -Incredible opportunities to design, analyze, test and build flight hardware. All in an extremely short time frame, especially for aerospace. Get to truly see your projects cradle to grave. -Unsurpassed learning pace. Easily the fastest I've ever learned. Given the pace of progress and the flexibility expected from engineers you will learn a wide skill set very quickly. -Range of projects. Most employees aren't be doing the same thing every day. Many opportunities to run analysis, conduct testing, manufacture R&D parts, concept designs etc. etc. -Rockets are built in the same building. Very tight feedback loop between engineering and production. Go walk 100ft and see your parts being built or the problem item in person. -Company culture. Relaxed but very motivated with get-things-done attitude. Casual dress code. Silicone valley inspired perks, free coffee, froyo, subsidized food etc. -Company is overall pretty young and most employees are like-minded and amiable.
Cons
-Due to the responsibility placed on each employee work hours can often be long. Generally if you are reasonable about your time this isn't so much an issue. Some days will require longer hours or than normal no doubt. -Compensation is generally competitive but not outstanding considering the hours most employees keep.