Process
The process initially started with a phone call with the recruiter. This went well; I was given a lot of detailed information that was very helpful at this stage of the process.
After this, I was given a take-home coding problem. I was provided a URL to download the project, at which point I had up to 4 hours to complete it. The project I was given was a problem SpaceX had solved in the past, and I was asked to come up with it from scratch and implement it. The problem itself was extremely mathematics-based; I spent nearly two hours just building out the complex 3D math required to begin the actual logical work. Although I was able to pass a portion of the test cases, ultimately I wasn't able to optimize the problem within the time frame.
I was left very disappointed with the coding problem. It seemed they were looking for a very specific mathematics-specialized engineer, even though the job I was told about in the recruiting call would be in a much different field.
Questions
Solve a specific satellite problem we've had in the past.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the SpaceX Backend Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
SpaceX's interview process for their Backend Software Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very negative feelings for SpaceX's Backend Software Engineer interview process in United States.
SpaceX Work Experiences
- 5.0Very fulfilling workSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeHawthorne, CAFebruary 12, 2024Pros: It is hard to find more fulfilling worth than at SpaceX, even what was normally annoying work elsewhere carries a weight of excitement at SpaceX. Almost everyone shares the same passion for space and space technology, which is a huge plus too.Cons: There’s definitely a pressure to work as hard as possible, and sometimes various parties may not align on priorities.
- 4.0SpaceX Supply ChainSupplier Development Engineer • Former EmployeeFebruary 14, 2026Pros: - Large ownership scope - Autonomy to own decisions and processes - Fast pace that accelerates learning potentialCons: - Poor WLB - Toxic relationship between supply chain, production, and design - Line leaders who are unwilling to communicate actual risk or push back on schedule to senior leadership
- 4.0Political and unfair to long term individual contributorsSenior Engineer • Current EmployeeHawthorne, CANovember 25, 2024Pros: The cause, the benefits, and the validation you get from building and seeing your hardware fly is unmatched. There is the respect from others, and any vendor picks up your phone. It is the most recognized and successful name in the industry.Cons: Toxic, political, and especially after 5 years, technical excellence is no longer important. The individual contributors are the main target, because they are seemingly easy to replace.
