Process
The interview process typically begins with a phone screen, followed by a technical exam.
If you pass the technical exam, you will proceed to on-site interviews.
The technical exam may span multiple days. However, you are only permitted to ask questions during the first hour and a half after receiving the exam.
Questions
Phone screen:
- Why SpaceX
- Projects you've worked on
- Typical softball screening questions
Technical exam:
Essentially a complicated optimization problem with many mathematical constraints. Difficult, but doable. Does not take the full 48 hours to complete, but it's unclear whether finishing earlier ends up looking better.
Was this helpful?
Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 144 interview experiences for the SpaceX Software Engineer role in United States.
Success Rate
SpaceX's interview process for their Software Engineer roles in the United States is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having good feelings for SpaceX's Software Engineer interview process in United States.
SpaceX Work Experiences
- 5.0Dynamic Work EnvironmentSoftware Engineer • Former EmployeeRedmond, WAAugust 22, 2025Pros: The work you do is incredibly interesting and compelling. There is nothing like seeing your quarterly project fly into space.Cons: The work-life balance is a tad bit leaning towards work obsession.
- 5.0SpaceX SWESoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeRedmond, WADecember 22, 2024Pros: A lot of cool projectsCons: Tons and tons of work
- 3.0Interdisciplinary work, but priorities often shiftSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeHawthorne, CAOctober 28, 2026Pros: Lots of interdisciplinary work and great learning opportunities.Cons: Priorities change all the time.
