How does it feel to work at SpaceX and have an Elon Musk boss? That seems cool, considering that SpaceX is currently the hottest rocket company.
On the question-and-answer website Quora, Joel White, a former Rocket Development Telecom and Video Engineer at SpaceX, reveals what it's like to work there. His post has received thousands of likes. While there may be differences in working conditions at SpaceX at the moment, at least there's an idea.
Very hard work there is common. "In interviews, they ask if you want to work at least 60 hours per week. That's a lie. More like 80 to 120 hours per week," he wrote.
"But that's okay because usually there is so much fun that you don't notice the time is passing. There is almost free food cooked every day by a skilled chef, free snacks and drinks everywhere. You also work with the best minds in all fields," said Joel.
He said Tesla's employees were great, both in the engineering division to software. He likes to hang out and learn with them.
Josh Boehm, former Head of Software Quality Assurance at SpaceX, shared the same opinion. According to him, SpaceX is a fairly large organization, but it still has a startup mentality. The organizational structure is not complicated.
"There's almost no private space, almost everyone has a cubicle, including Elon. You have full access to the factory. It's amazing to see the process of building a rocket, from start to finish," he said. There are even cameras recording and employees can see the production process at their desks.
"Communication is very open and even Elon can be approached if you have a good reason. Anyone in the company can email or talk to him. I even gave him a birthday present in the form of an Iron Man action figure with his head," said Josh.
Very long work is normal. "Even if no one is forcing you, you will work very long hours, just to do chores. I often stay up late and never feel alone. The factory is always alive no matter day or night," he said.
"We will work hard and party like crazy. It's not uncommon for people to work more than 12 hours a day. But time passes quickly and it's never boring because there are always interesting jobs," he said.
As entertainment, they sometimes watch movies together. Sometimes a party is also held by the company. "SpaceX parties are crazy. Elon knows how to party," wrote Josh.
Employees are generally very proud to be working at SpaceX. Every time there is a rocket launch, the control room gets crowded and there are lots of cheers. If the launch is successful, they are very satisfied.
"If there is a failure, of course there will be sadness, but it will not stop us from working or reduce our motivation. Pride for the company is hard to believe," he said.
