Vantaggi
-Incredibly meaningful work and mission. There's a sense of pride that comes with working at SpaceX -Great benefits including free healthcare, low cost food, cheap SpaceX swag, generally fun environment and more -Fabtastic work experience. You basically get 2-3 years of Engineering experience per year at SpaceX -Very forward thinking and progressive work environment -Fast paced and challenging work environment, never a boring day -Very hands-on work environment
Svantaggi
As expected, the number one issue is work/life balance. The expectation is to work at least 50+ hours a week but it typically ends up being 60-70 with occasional sprints of 80 or more hours a week to meet deadlines. Don't be surprised to work 7 days a week, 12+ hours each day for weeks or months at a time to meet deadlines. It's well known that deadlines at SpaceX are very ambitious and given current staffing situations it's nearly impossible to meet deadlines without burning employees out. The turnover rate is pretty high at SpaceX because of this, and most people you talk to are open about not making a career at SpaceX because of the sacrifices that come with the job. Pay is not bad when coupled with the extra benefits but it can be difficult to make ends meet living in Los Angeles.