I applied online and received a phone call from HR about two weeks later. They were very careful to screen for prior knowledge of the company and willingness to commit significant hours, compared to most jobs.
After passing the HR screen, I was connected with the hiring manager for this position. The phone interview consisted mostly of high-level questions regarding how my experience is applicable to SpaceX. There were very few technical details at that point.
Since the manager liked me, they invited me on-site.
The on-site interview was very challenging and enjoyable. I had to do a lot of self-reflection because they asked me to describe my most substantial accomplishments to date in great detail. The focus was on YOUR role in anything that is on your resume.
Most of the interviewers were personable, but also looked as if they were working 70-hour weeks all the time.
The interview began with a presentation to a panel, who then each interviewed me one-on-one.
Finally, after being well-liked in the on-site interview, my credentials were reviewed by the executive team, and I was approved for an offer.
Overall, a fun but challenging interview and a fantastic facility to tour.
How can you apply statistical process control to a low-volume product, such as rockets?
The following metrics were computed from 2 interview experiences for the SpaceX Product Validation Engineer role in Hawthorne, California.
SpaceX's interview process for their Product Validation Engineer roles in Hawthorne, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Candidates reported having very good feelings for SpaceX's Product Validation Engineer interview process in Hawthorne, California.