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Software Engineer Interview Experience - Hawthorne, California

June 8, 2026
Negative ExperienceNo Offer

Process

I applied online.

I withdrew early on in the interview process. The HR screen was more extensive than most, as they asked some questions about computer science and physics fundamentals (on top of the usual fare of "describe yourself," salary expectations, etc.).

After the screen, I was asked to give my availability for the next round. I took a couple days (plus the weekend) to respond, giving dates 2-3 weeks out to fit around my existing schedule. The recruiter then responded by questioning my interest in SpaceX and indicating my timeline would negatively influence my candidacy.

I was caught off guard by how quickly the tone of the messages became more harsh; it would have been helpful to have clearer expectations set about response time and scheduling urgency. SpaceX heavily prioritizes speed in decision-making across the company, including recruiting. That may be a great fit for some candidates, but it wasn't the right environment for me.

Questions

What is the difference between polymorphism and inheritance?

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Interview Statistics

The following metrics were computed from 35 interview experiences for the SpaceX Software Engineer role in Hawthorne, California.

Success Rate

9%
Pass Rate

SpaceX's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in Hawthorne, California is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.

Experience Rating

Positive43%
Neutral46%
Negative11%

Candidates reported having very good feelings for SpaceX's Software Engineer interview process in Hawthorne, California.

SpaceX Work Experiences