posting actual numbers because the SpaceX comp threads i found were either old or vague. three data points: my own offer (declined, took something else) plus two friends who are current employees.
data point 1: my offer, senior SWE (equivalent L5ish), Hawthorne CA, February 2026 base: $162k bonus: discretionary, said 'typically 5-10%' but no guarantees. not a target bonus structure like you'd see at Amazon equity: RSUs, four-year vest. they offered a grant that amounted to roughly $30k/year at the time of grant. not secondary liquidity, no buyback program, value is illiquid total cash: ~$170-180k range depending on bonus no relocation assistance offered upfront but recruiter said they'd 'look at it'
data point 2: senior embedded systems engineer, Starbase TX, hired mid-2025 base: $155k bonus: none that year (they tied it to company milestones, miss the milestone, miss the bonus) equity: similar RSU structure, roughly $25k/year vested value note: COL difference makes TX vs CA roughly equivalent in take-home
data point 3: senior software engineer, Redmond WA (Starlink side), early 2026 base: $168k bonus: 'target 8%' but also discretionary equity: roughly $35k/year in RSUs
pattern: base is below FAANG L5 equivalents by maybe 20-30%. equity is illiquid and comparatively small. bonus is discretionary and mission-tied, not formula.
people who take SpaceX offers either have strong mission conviction, want the resume brand, or are making a lifestyle trade on pace. the total comp math relative to big tech is unfavorable unless equity appreciates significantly before a liquidity event.
if you're trying to negotiate: they do have flexibility on base. one of these offers went up about $10k after a competing offer was presented.