Build Engineer Interview Experience - Hawthorne, California
Process
The most intense engineering interview in my experience.
Onsite, the company is very supportive regarding travel, housing, and transportation.
The onsite interview is all day, starting with a presentation by you about an engineering project you are proud of.
This is followed by eight interviews with different staff on your potential team and, finally, the VP of the subsystem or stage you are applying for (e.g., structures, Dragon, etc.).
Questions
How many points are there on Earth where you could travel one mile south, one mile east, then one mile north and end up in the same spot you started?
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the SpaceX Build Engineer role in Hawthorne, California.
Success Rate
SpaceX's interview process for their Build Engineer roles in Hawthorne, California is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very negative feelings for SpaceX's Build Engineer interview process in Hawthorne, California.
SpaceX Work Experiences
- 2.0could be worseEngineer • Former EmployeeJanuary 11, 2024Pros: The most talented and hardworking peopleCons: With no life outside of work, your work is your life.
- 4.0Rockets and SatellitesSWE Intern • Current EmployeeRedmond, WANovember 6, 2025Pros: Working with cool technology and teams.Cons: Sad pay, and sad hours worked.
- 5.0Best place to growSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeHawthorne, CASeptember 16, 2025Pros: Insanely smart colleagues and ambitious goalsCons: Unclear career development and shifting priorities
