Fast-paced, rewarding, exciting, but exhausting - Structures Engineer SpaceX Employee Review

4.0
25 July 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people you work with are the best part about SpaceX. All people at all levels (senior managers, leads, engineers, technicians, etc) are very smart and very motivated. The pace of development is extremely fast which keeps things exciting. Lots of autonomy, never have been micromanaged, people are empowered to make their own decisions for the good of the company. You get to work on the coolest rockets and spacecraft ever made. Generally well-compensated for hard work and going above and beyond (although this definitely varies between groups)

Cons

Extreme work hours and demand to be “on call” 24/7. There is no escape from work. This is classic spacex and part of the reason why the company works so fast, but leads to burnout and the legendary high turnover. Most groups are chronically understaffed which causes constant chaos and problems which are only solved by working unsustainable hours.

Explore other reviews about SpaceX

5.0
17 June 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
29 June 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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