Fascinated by space exploration from a young age, Colombia-born Felipe set his sights early on working in this field. After graduating from the University of California-Berkeley with a bachelors in mechanical engineering, he worked for a major US auto company – but SpaceX was his dream. He applied to the Texas-based space company three times before finally being hired last year. He is now one of the engineers formulating plans for space rockets. He recently talked to us about his job journey.
IO: Hi Felipe. Congratulations on working at SpaceX! How did you land your dream job and what is your role?
Felipe: I applied to work at SpaceX three times before I was hired. Previously, I worked for General Motors in a rotational position, but I became known as "the Space Guy" because every time I introduced myself to mentors, new teammates, or anyone professionally, I'd mention my interest in space. I eventually started working on systems for mitigating the effect of lunar particles on sensitive components at GM.
SpaceX then reached out to me during my time at GM because of my previous applications, so my hard work paid off. In my current role, I write the welding and integration plans used by technicians on site to assemble elements of the rocket. During assembly of the rocket, I also write engineering solutions to the problems we encounter.
IO: What attracted you to this company? When did you know you wanted to go into this field?
Felipe: I've always been drawn to space exploration. As early as age three, my mom would frequently take me to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. I would spend hours looking at the spacecraft and planets. I was obsessed, and thought it was the coolest thing ever. When I thought about what I wanted to do in the future, being an engineer and working on the next generation of spacecraft surged naturally from my interests.
Now, working on building the largest rocket in the world is fundamentally exciting to me, and every time there's a launch my heart soars as the vehicle flies. I firmly believe that a future where humanity can travel in space is much more interesting than one where we remain bound to Earth.
IO: What resources were the most helpful in finding and securing a job?
Felipe: Definitely attending Berkeley’s engineering career fairs. There are a lot of employers looking to nab new hires at these events, and it's important to meet face to face with recruiters so they can personally assess you.
IO: What attracted you to UC Berkeley? Had you decided upon your major when you entered university? What was your plan and how did it unfold?
Felipe: Berkeley was one of the best engineering schools I got into. I liked the idea of studying in the Bay Area of California at a school that had strong programs other than engineering. This meant a more diverse student body, and I could also take classes in the humanities. I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
IO: What was it like attending Berkeley and what extracurriculars did you participate in?
Felipe: It was fantastic! Everyone I met was intellectually curious, interesting, and passionate. Berkeley is a huge school, but the beauty of a large school is that you can make your own network, and keep it small by curating who you hang out with and where you go to eat and study.
Away from academics, I was Director of Production for TEDxBerkeley, preparing speakers for their talks and coordinating the sound, lighting, and stage management of the event. I was also a member of the Recovery Team for my school's rocketry club.
IO: As high school students chart their way to university and beyond, what do you advise based on your own experience?
Felipe: Have a goal. I'm serious! Make your aspirations your center of gravity, and talk to people in your areas of interest about what you want to do and how to achieve it. If you do this, doors will open. You will get ideas and contacts. Stay laser focused on your goal, and you'll spot the opportunities that combine to build a path to success. Dream big; you never know what’s possible.
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