I love my job! - Test Engineer SpaceX Employee Review

5.0
Apr 2, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

As a Test Engineer I am exposed to almost every system of our Falcon9 rocket and Dragon capsule. I am never stuck doing only one task and I am constantly learning new things. I have experience in conducting over 25 structural and functional tests on different components and assemblies. The experience of completing these tests and watching these parts function as designed in space is the most rewarding, satisfying and exciting experience ever. At times, my job also requires design and analysis work to develop test stands for new components/assemblies. Even though this job at times can require long days at work, 12+ hours, I still find ample time to pursue my hobbies and maintain an outside of work social life. I have never had any troubles taking vacations, with durations lasting as long as two weeks. SpaceX is an extremely exciting company to work for. I do not know of any other company that is changing the way the world looks at space access.

Cons

As with any highly technical career there are, at times, extreme amounts of pressure. Even though this might be a CON, I also see it as a PRO because I feel I work well under pressure and it has helped me develop my engineering skills and ability to overcome any challenge.

Explore other reviews about SpaceX

5.0
Jun 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission to save humanity

Cons

Extremely hard work nearly all the time

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.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All