About the role
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
BARISTA
This is a Level 1 barista role supporting three on-campus cafés on the Redmond campus. These are genuine 3rd-wave setups with manual espresso machines and top of the line equipment. You will serve employees of a company dedicated to science, exploration, and advancing human connection while delivering quality coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and accurate high-volume service that supports morale and campus productivity.
This is not a typical café job. The craft is 3rd-wave coffee and the pace is high. The schedule is a consistent, full-time 5-day operation (50 hours including overtime as needed). There are no cash tips however, you receive a full SpaceX rewards package (medical, dental, vision, equity/long-term incentives, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), and more) with a clear path to advance within a true meritocracy based on quality and commitment in a rapidly growing hospitality program with opportunities beyond coffee.
Typical barista jobs are 25–30 hours with inconsistent schedules, rely on cash tips, offer no benefits, and treat holidays as unpaid if you have the day off. This role offers a guaranteed Monday–Friday schedule (start times 6 AM - 7 AM) with full-time hours and overtime paid as part of the operation. If you want craft plus stability, professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package that more than compensates for the absence of tips, this role is built for that.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Set up, operate, and maintain clean, safe, and efficient stations across Redmond campus cafés
Prepare espresso, coffee, and other beverages on manual espresso machines and related equipment
Deliver consistent 3rd-wave quality at high volume: speed, accuracy, and professional guest experience
Complete daily prep tasks and help the team meet time and quality standards set by the supervisor
Clean and maintain departmental tools and equipment (espresso machine, grinders, etc)
Provide excellent customer service and welcoming atmosphere
Inventory/order supplies as needed
Follow food and beverage safety principles and all café/hospitality standards
Participate actively in a rapidly growing hospitality program with opportunities beyond coffee
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
2+ years of customer service experience in a food service environment that includes coffee and beverage services
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
3+ years of coffee/beverage service, ideally in a 3rd-wave or high-volume specialty café
Manual espresso machine and grinder experience (dialing in shots, latte art, etc.)
Experience in high-volume service (600+ drinks per service)
Sound understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
High level of professionalism and strong written/verbal communication
Experience in a corporate or campus environment
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook)
Willingness to learn, take guidance, and grow beyond the bar in hospitality
Interest in working inside a company focused on science, exploration, and human connection
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be available to work the following shift
1st Shift A: Monday - Friday, start time between 6 AM - 7 AM
Ability to carry large heavy items, such as dishes in tubs or trays unassisted (up to 40 lbs.)
Ability to stand for long periods of time – up to 8 hours a day
Ability to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends, as needed
Ability to perform frequent bending, stooping, and lifting of objects
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay range
Level 1: $22.50/hour
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.