View Full Version : SpaceX Internship Opportunity
Kevin Watson
09-04-2013, 21:02
I thought I'd drop by to make sure everyone knows about this pretty amazing opportunity for FRC participants:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2013-internship
I've been working at SpaceX for five years now, and it has been an extraordinary experience to be part of the SpaceX avionics team. I started here before we had successfully launched anything to orbit, and now we're supplying cargo services to ISS on a regular basis. This is just the beginning though, as our goal is to visit and colonize Mars, and you could be part of that effort if you work for it. If this sounds interesting, here's our website where you can learn more about SpaceX:
http://spacex.com
Here's a movie of something fun we recently demonstrated:
http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20130310
-Kevin
sanddrag
10-04-2013, 00:39
Hi Kevin,
Long time no see. I remember probably a decade ago now, when you were THE guy to go to for all things code in FRC. Nice to see you're still doing great work out there.
Kevin Watson
10-04-2013, 01:13
Hi Kevin,
Long time no see. I remember probably a decade ago now, when you were THE guy to go to for all things code in FRC. Nice to see you're still doing great work out there. It's not a coincidence that my heavy involvement with the FRC ended at the same time I joined SpaceX. JPL was, um, a bit more relaxed work environment that allowed me to spend time developing hardware and software for FRC. I really miss working with the teachers, mentors and especially the kids; hopefully life won't be so hectic at some point and I can contribute again (I've got a killer stereo vision rig that I'd like to complete and give to the teams to use.) -Kevin
SpaceX has got to be one of the most incredible companies in existence. This is a really cool program they're offering, and I've shared it with a few of our seniors who I know would be interested. Incidentally SpaceX is running a cool competition at my university this weekend that I hope I can participate in. I must say, it would be a dream place to intern and I'm definitely angling toward it myself for a year or two from now :)
Kevin Watson
10-04-2013, 14:38
SpaceX has got to be one of the most incredible companies in existence. This is a really cool program they're offering, and I've shared it with a few of our seniors who I know would be interested. Incidentally SpaceX is running a cool competition at my university this weekend that I hope I can participate in. I must say, it would be a dream place to intern and I'm definitely angling toward it myself for a year or two from now :)Yes, I believe SpaceX is a pretty incredible place too. If you are accepted, expect to work long, intense hours as an intern because you'll likely be given more responsibility than you would get elsewhere. Some burn out, but many don't and have a pretty good chance of being offered a full time job. Having interned at SpaceX also looks very good on a resume if you decide to work elsewhere. If you or anyone else has a question about SpaceX, I'd be happy to answer 'em here.
-Kevin
I was really excited when I saw this opportunity - it's pretty well exactly what I would like to end up doing. I did some reasearch, sent off a few emails, and found out that we Canadians are left out in the cold :(
Hi Kevin,
Long time no see. I remember probably a decade ago now, when you were THE guy to go to for all things code in FRC. Nice to see you're still doing great work out there.
my sentiments exactly.
Kevin Watson
10-04-2013, 19:25
I was really excited when I saw this opportunity - it's pretty well exactly what I would like to end up doing. I did some reasearch, sent off a few emails, and found out that we Canadians are left out in the cold :(Yeah, sorry. We build a lot of stuff that is covered by ITAR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Traffic_in_Arms_Regulations), which means you need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to work at SpaceX.
-Kevin
Yes, I believe SpaceX is a pretty incredible place too. If you are accepted, expect to work long, intense hours as an intern because you'll likely be given more responsibility than you would get elsewhere.
Speaking from experience, this is the truth. And Kevin comes in later than I do, I think--I'm on the production floor, and long and intense is normal. I'd say how long, but I don't want to scare anybody.
And my FRC involvement also went down about the time I joined SpaceX...
Kevin Watson
10-04-2013, 20:16
Speaking from experience, this is the truth. And Kevin comes in later than I do, I think--I'm on the production floor, and long and intense is normal. I'd say how long, but I don't want to scare anybody.
And my FRC involvement also went down about the time I joined SpaceX...Eric, too cool; I had no idea you were here. If you find yourself on the third floor, drop by and say hi (I'm easiest to find in the afternoon & evening)
-Kevin
Eric, too cool; I had no idea you were here. If you find yourself on the third floor, drop by and say hi (I'm easiest to find in the afternoon & evening)
-KevinI've seen you a few times. Usually when I'm visiting another FIRSTer down the aisle from you to talk about some equipment our teams have in common.
I happen to work out at the vertical stir welder. One of the few pieces of cool technology with very little practical application to FRC out there...
I can't believe this thread hasn't exploded with seniors. I for one am applying. A career like this is my dream. I've had actual dreams of me getting this internship.
@EricH What's a vertical stir welder?
Rangel(kf7fdb)
10-04-2013, 20:42
I too am applying. Currently putting together the best application I have ever assembled. Wish me luck!
Do you know of opportunities like this (the internship) exist for students who did not participate in FIRST? I have a student who is graduating this year, and will be attending MIT to pursue Aeronautical Engineering. She participated in the WISH program at NASA this past summer. Unfortunately, I was never able to get her involved in FIRST as she is also quite an athlete.
@EricH What's a vertical stir welder?
Start with a friction stir welder (a sampling can be seen in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCe8-QYKZf4). Now, take one that will travel in a straight line only, and point that straight line at the ceiling. You get a vertical friction stir welder. We use ours to build rockets.
Do you know of opportunities like this (the internship) exist for students who did not participate in FIRST?
http://www.spacex.com/careers.php
Scroll down to the Internship and Co-op section.
Thanks for the QUICK reply! I will be sure to share the information with her. She is truly an amazing young lady and would be an asset!
Kevin Watson
10-04-2013, 21:21
Do you know of opportunities like this (the internship) exist for students who did not participate in FIRST? I have a student who is graduating this year, and will be attending MIT to pursue Aeronautical Engineering. She participated in the WISH program at NASA this past summer. Unfortunately, I was never able to get her involved in FIRST as she is also quite an athlete.Yes, absolutely. There is plenty of info on our website:
http://www.spacex.com/careers.php
-Kevin
For all you CS people out there, check out this AMA with the SpaceX software team: http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1853ap/we_are_spacex_software_engineers_we_launch/
(I'm particularly enthused about SpaceX at the moment as I just left a presentation at USC)
rdpetras
11-04-2013, 10:59
Do you know of opportunities like this (the internship) exist for students who did not participate in FIRST? I have a student who is graduating this year, and will be attending MIT to pursue Aeronautical Engineering. She participated in the WISH program at NASA this past summer. Unfortunately, I was never able to get her involved in FIRST as she is also quite an athlete.
Yes, check out this page under internships. There are hundreds available each year, but apply early, they fill up fast.
http://www.spacex.com/careers.php
Kevin Watson
12-04-2013, 21:43
Yes, check out this page under internships. There are hundreds available each year, but apply early, they fill up fast.
http://www.spacex.com/careers.php
(Rich is six cubes away from me and works in flight software for those who have questions. Like me, he is also an ex-JPL'er whose last job was rover driver.)
Edit: Just a clarification: We're both ex-JPL'ers, but I never had a cool job like rover driver.
Moriarty
14-04-2013, 16:33
The deadline has been extended to May 6th (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog/spacex-internships)
In case anyone wanted to do it but didn't have enough time to apply.
Good Luck everyone!
Ian Curtis
14-04-2013, 16:55
(Rich is six cubes away from me and works in flight software for those who have questions. Like me, he is also an ex-JPL'er whose last job was rover driver.)
Edit: Just a clarification: We're both ex-JPL'ers, but I never had a cool job like rover driver.
I guess avionics engineers for human rated hardware have REALLY high standards for what makes a cool job. :eek:
I think designing jets is cool (they are definitely way cooler than the general public thinks), but I think everyone can agree that rockets are even better.
For students this is an amazing opportunity. I had lots of wicked smart friends clamoring for SpaceX jobs and only one snagged one, so you guys really only take the best of the best.
The deadline has been extended to May 6th (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog/spacex-internships)
In case anyone wanted to do it but didn't have enough time to apply.
Good Luck everyone!
If only I saw this earlier and didn't spend all of today perfecting my application
Moriarty
14-04-2013, 17:24
If only I saw this earlier and didn't spend all of today perfecting my application
I've been spending the day on mine as well! I'm still going to try getting it in for tomorrow though. It pays to be early! I'm just worried about my video editing skills factoring into showing my passion for engineering...
Rangel(kf7fdb)
14-04-2013, 17:42
If only I saw this earlier and didn't spend all of today perfecting my application
I too wouldn't have been killing myself to perfect it so soon. Well I guess I'll be one of the early submitters too.
Kevin Watson
17-04-2013, 14:02
For those future hard-core engineers that want to change the world (and perhaps other planets as well), but are sitting on the fence thinking about applying, I would encourage you to get off the fence and get this done (yes, you). This is an amazing opportunity that is exclusive to FIRST Robotics participants. Normally the odds of a person submitting an application for an internship is > 1:500, and you can’t even apply until you’re in college. However, through this alliance between FIRST and SpaceX your application doesn’t sit in a stack with literally thousands of other applications, it’s in a special stack that is an order or two smaller and will be given special attention. Right!, now get busy :-)
-Kevin
Jorge Ayala
17-04-2013, 16:48
For those future hard-core engineers that want to change the world (and perhaps other planets as well), but are sitting on the fence thinking about applying, I would encourage you to get off the fence and get this done (yes, you). This is an amazing opportunity that is exclusive to FIRST Robotics participants. Normally the odds of a person submitting an application for an internship is > 1:500, and you can’t even apply until you’re in college. However, through this alliance between FIRST and SpaceX your application doesn’t sit in a stack with literally thousands of other applications, it’s in a special stack that is an order or two smaller and will be given special attention. Right!, now get busy :-)
-Kevin
It is such a shame that I am not allowed to apply because I am Mexican. However, thank you for your post, sir. I will apply later (if there is some way for foreigners to apply on the future), because I have long admired Elon Musk and his amazing vision for technology, SpaceX and Tesla Motors are two innovative companies. I guess Mr. Musk somehow reminds me of Tony Stark. Anyway, thank you again.
Kevin Watson
21-04-2013, 15:30
It is such a shame that I am not allowed to apply because I am Mexican. However, thank you for your post, sir. I will apply later (if there is some way for foreigners to apply on the future), because I have long admired Elon Musk and his amazing vision for technology, SpaceX and Tesla Motors are two innovative companies. I guess Mr. Musk somehow reminds me of Tony Stark. Anyway, thank you again.
Hi Jorge,
Unfortunately I don't get to make up the rules. We have many engineers at SpaceX that weren't born in the US, but I'm pretty sure they had to have at least a permanent resident visa to get a job here. I don't know if this is something you'd be willing to do, but at least it is a possibility.
With regard to Tony Stark, I'm not sure it's widely known, but the SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne was used for the interior shots of Hammer Industries from Iron Man 2. The filming crew spent about a week here filming in secret. If you look hard, you'll see a few SpaceX logos that made their way into the film. During the filming, we also found out that it's hard to build rockets with a film crew always telling you to be quiet :-)
-Kevin
With regard to Tony Stark, I'm not sure it's widely known, but the SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne was used for the interior shots of Hammer Industries from Iron Man 2. The filming crew spent about a week here filming in secret. If you look hard, you'll see a few SpaceX logos that made their way into the film. During the filming, we also found out that it's hard to build rockets with a film crew always telling you to be quiet :-)
I've heard it mentioned that Robert Downey Jr. shadowed/talked to Elon Musk in preparation for the film, but I didn't realize that SpaceX was so involved and literally part of the film. Very cool, I'll have to watch again with a keen eye.
Turtleinator
21-04-2013, 16:17
This is such an amazing opportunity! I wish I had seen this earlier so I could have made it by the April 15th deadline, but since it has been extended I will for sure be applying! Thank you for showing this amazing opportunity to us!
Jorge Ayala
21-04-2013, 16:34
Hi Jorge,
Unfortunately I don't get to make up the rules. We have many engineers at SpaceX that weren't born in the US, but I'm pretty sure they had to have at least a permanent resident visa to get a job here. I don't know if this is something you'd be willing to do, but at least it is a possibility.
With regard to Tony Stark, I'm not sure it's widely known, but the SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne was used for the interior shots of Hammer Industries from Iron Man 2. The filming crew spent about a week here filming in secret. If you look hard, you'll see a few SpaceX logos that made their way into the film. During the filming, we also found out that it's hard to build rockets with a film crew always telling you to be quiet :-)
-Kevin
That is an awesome anecdote. I didn't know it, well, I am planning to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and I am also planning to apply from a transfer to some U.S. university during my freshman year, maybe the chance will come one of these days. Thank you.
Kevin Watson
21-04-2013, 17:07
I've heard it mentioned that Robert Downey Jr. shadowed/talked to Elon Musk in preparation for the film, but I didn't realize that SpaceX was so involved and literally part of the film. Very cool, I'll have to watch again with a keen eye.Yes, he spent some time at SpaceX before the first Iron Man. He spent time with Elon and other engineers. He even spent some time with one of our mechanical engineers, who taught him to use the mechanical CAD package we use.
-Kevin
Yes, he spent some time at SpaceX before the first Iron Man. He spent time with Elon and other engineers. He even spent some time with one of our mechanical engineers, who taught him to use the mechanical CAD package we use.
-Kevin
I could swear I've seen an Elon cameo in Iron Man 2--just a segment (I haven't actually seen the movie, but the segment was on Youtube)--where he was addressed by name.
Of course, then there are the extra security guards near the cafeteria. All three of them (including the small one Stark is holding)... But one is not Iron Man-related.
Indeed (bad quality, but here it is)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuG2AVFB-g0
Nice Merlin reference and "electric jet" :P
Kevin Watson
22-04-2013, 23:39
Here's a cool video of the ~250 meter hop that we performed last Friday morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoxiK7K28PU
The point of this is to develop a reusable rocket, which will dramatically decrease the cost of launching stuff to space. The structure is a modified Falcon 9 first stage that I believe is somewhere around 110' tall. Think of it as the worlds largest inverted pendulum problem :-)
-Kevin
Here's a cool video of the ~250 meter hop that we performed last Friday morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoxiK7K28PU
The point of this is to develop a reusable rocket, which will dramatically decrease the cost of launching stuff to space. The structure is a modified Falcon 9 first stage that I believe is somewhere around 110' tall. Think of it as the worlds largest inverted pendulum problem :-)
-Kevin
Awesome. Next test - shut off the engines on the way down, then turn them back on and land? :D
Awesome. Next test - shut off the engines on the way down, then turn them back on and land? :D
They've only got a few flights on this critter so far. Maybe more practice first?
NOW I understand why the Dragon cleanroom monitor was showing Grasshopper touching down on Friday when I walked by! And I think "Ring of Fire" is becoming the theme song for Grasshopper, quite appropriately based on the video's view of the pad on touchdown and liftoff.
Kevin Watson
23-04-2013, 00:04
Awesome. Next test - shut off the engines on the way down, then turn them back on and land? :D You might think that, I couldn't possibly comment :-)
Kevin Watson
23-04-2013, 18:17
I'll be at the championships this week. If you have any questions about SpaceX, or just want to say hi, I'll be around all three days (woo hoo!)
Kevin Watson
25-04-2013, 23:51
Well, overall a pretty amazing and fun day today in St. Louis. I spent much of the day in our booth talking with folks. In talking with visitors, we found out that there is some confusion regarding the final day that we'll accept internship applications. The real date is May 6th. If you're at the championships this week and interested in working at SpaceX, drop by our booth and we'd be happy to discuss the application process with you.
-Kevin
jvriezen
31-05-2013, 22:29
Just got word that one of our team's graduating seniors has been accepted into the SpaceX internship program!
Congratulations to Spencer !
julianpowell
31-05-2013, 22:38
I just got an email saying I was accepted! I honestly can't believe it, this is a dream come true for me. Thank you FIRST for this great opportunity!
Kevin Watson
14-06-2013, 18:32
SpaceX Internship Winners
During the 2013 season, SpaceX (http://www.spacex.com/) offered an internship for High School Seniors in FRC and FTC. Congratulations to the following recipients of the first SpaceX FIRST Internship!
Corin Rypkema (FRC Team 706)
David Brighton (FRC Team 3698)
David Doan (FRC Team 687)
David Elrich (FRC Team 2638)
Hunter McSwain (FRC Team 1983)
James Carr (FRC Team 3309)
James Zandstra (FRC Team 4256)
Julian Powell (FRC Team 2928)
Leonardo Chan (FRC Team 604)
Nicholas McCoy (FRC Team 1477)
Oliver Graff (FRC Team 3780)
Spencer Berglund (FRC Team 2530)
Stephen Slattery (FRC Team 1732)
Thomas Teisberg (FRC Team 619, FTC Team 5903)
Titus Woo (FRC Team 3528)
SpaceX will be looking for more talented FTC and FRC High School Seniors again in 2014! Be sure to visit the Internship Opportunity (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2013-internship) page on the FRC website for updates to the 2014 application process!
Kai Williams
28-06-2013, 00:11
Out of curiosity, how many applicants were there? Hopefully the acceptance rate for the FIRST Internships was a little higher than 1/500.
Kevin Watson
28-06-2013, 14:32
Out of curiosity, how many applicants were there? Hopefully the acceptance rate for the FIRST Internships was a little higher than 1/500. It was somewhere between one and two orders of magnitude higher.
-Kevin
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