Pros
- Work with amazing people on amazing projects. We design, build and fly our own rockets and spacecraft. Few other companies can say that, and most international governments can't say that!
- If you have any sort of passion for science or technology or aerospace you'd love it here.
- The culture is more start-up than corporate America. Never seen anyone wear a tie.
- You'll learn a ton, everyone here has their expertise, and you'll expand your personal knowledge beyond your previous education or work experience every day you're here.
- Everyone gets trust and responsibility early on, I was on my own on my 3rd day. Ask a lot of questions, everyone will help you.
- You won't have 8 different bosses telling you 8 different things. Everyone gets their ideas heard regardless of position. No political corporate B.S. like at many other similar-sized companies.
- As of now, we're a private company, no shareholders to answer to. Which means we can do whatever we want as a company.
- Beyond all the awesome benefits, employees are very well taken care of. There are many times that teams are rewarded extra bonuses, or perks or other things for a job well done (in addition to other bonuses/benefits).
- Oh, and if you're here when we accomplish a milestone, get ready for the best party of your life!
- The environment is really fast-paced, exciting, and almost everyone at SpaceX seems to have some degree of enjoyment working on their piece of the rocket puzzle. I have yet to meet another employee I didn't like.
- Even with several different departments with different bosses and different goals working on top of each other, (at least in my experience) everyone remains helpful and respectful of each other. That's rare to find nowadays.
- TONS of benefits! Free coffee (I mean full coffee shop, like Starbucks but better), drinks, soda, salad, yogurt, etc... anytime you want. Health, Dental & Eye care, all heavily subsidized and quality care.
- There are several places to eat on-campus, its either $3 or $5 for a restaurant-quality meal (It's also heavily subsidized). You can eat better and cheaper at work than if you bought food at a discount store and cooked it yourself.
Cons
As others have said, the work hours can be a little long during pushes for certain company milestones such as flight windows. At least hourly employees benefit from it the most due to well-paid OT. If you do your job efficiently you can easily have a good work/life balance. Some people can do it, some cant, that's why you'll read a lot about the work balance here at SpaceX.
But honestly, it isn't all that bad as long as you're the type of person that isn't afraid of working hard towards difficult goals. If you're looking for a 9-5 or a 40-hour-week-forever type of job, then this isn't the place for you.
When working at SpaceX a lot is expected of you, but the rewards are much greater than a paycheck. When the vehicle you and your colleagues worked on flies into space, it's all worth it.
