What it takes to land a job at SpaceX

SpaceX has built a reputation for an intense workplace, with its hiring process emphasizing exceptional ability, hands-on experience, problem-solving, demonstrated accomplishments and a willingness to work long hours, Bloomberg reports.  

The company employs about 22,000 and has roughly 2,500 open positions as it expands Starlink, Starship, AI-focused satellite infrastructure and major facilities in Texas and Louisiana. With the company pursuing major projects, including a planned Starship launch facility in Louisiana, SpaceX is expanding its workforce to support its broader operations.

Recruiters say SpaceX places greater emphasis on practical experience and past achievements than advanced degrees, while executives have stressed the importance of intelligence and candidates’ ability to learn quickly. The company also looks for workers who can embrace founder Elon Musk’s engineering philosophy of questioning existing processes, eliminating unnecessary steps and pursuing efficiency. 

Compensation varies by role. Engineering salaries can run slightly below industry averages, while software positions reportedly pay more than peers, and employees can receive equity, which became particularly valuable following SpaceX’s 2026 IPO. 

Prospective employees are also expected to accept an intense work culture, including extended hours, weekends and workloads that can reach 60 hours or more per week. Former employees have alleged harassment, retaliation and a workplace culture that discouraged criticism of Musk. SpaceX has disputed or contested aspects of those claims. 

Bloomberg has the full story.