I sent in my application through their website and received an email the next day from one of their recruiters. They move really fast.
The next step is a phone screening, a typical 1:1 interview covering details about your technical background, experience in projects and internships, and interest in the company. It's basically time for the recruiter to gauge if you fit the requisition.
You'll pass the screening and move on to an OA (online assessment). For me, this was a 4-hour Codility take-home coding test with open internet access. This part may differ for you, so I'll gloss over it. The test consisted of three problems: two design and one debugging.
Next steps if you pass are your first real interview with an engineer. I had a 45-minute technical 1:1 with a Software Engineer, which was pretty cool. Essentially, they are trying to gauge the extent of your knowledge on past projects, internships, and anything technical that would make you perform well in the role.
If you pass this, I cannot remember if I did another 1:1 with anyone. I may have, or I may not have.
Finally, a 6-hour virtual on-site where you'll meet about 5 people from the entire team. You'll go from person to person with no breaks for the entire time, and they will go into intense detail on everything you have ever done technically. One of the interviewers gave me a Systems design question where I had to design a website to take people's orders and process high amounts of traffic for apparel.
This is the part where I did not pass, but it's the final step before an offer.
4-hour OA and system design question with an engineer.
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the SpaceX Applications Developer role in Hawthorne, California.
SpaceX's interview process for their Applications Developer roles in Hawthorne, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Candidates reported having very good feelings for SpaceX's Applications Developer interview process in Hawthorne, California.