Yes, SpaceX does drug test depending on the position.
Multiple current and former employees report that SpaceX does not drug test, except in instances of on-the-job accidents.
However, the job descriptions for security officers, positions requiring top secret clearance, mission positions, and satellite positions on the SpaceX careers website state that those applying for the position are subject to pre-employment drug tests and random drug and alcohol tests thereafter.
Recently, Elon Musk, the founder, CEO, and chief engineer of SpaceX, discussed in an interview that after smoking marijuana on the Joe Rogan Show in 2018, “the whole of SpaceX” including himself were subject to random drug tests by the government for a year.
This is because SpaceX receives government funding from the Department of Defense, marijuana is illegal on the federal level, and the federal government maintains a drug-free work environment.
In addition, a 2019 email from Elon Musk to SpaceX employees obtained the Washington Post states: “SpaceX maintains a drug free workplace… SpaceX personnel may not use or possess any controlled substance while in the workplace, and also may not be under the influence of legal or illegal drugs while at work…Anyone who appears to be inebriated or under the influence while at work is subject to drug testing and potentially other employment actions.”
This information was obtained after many hours of painstaking research from various websites with answers from current and former SpaceX employees. The SpaceX careers website only discusses drug testing for certain positions, although Elon Musk has stated that SpaceX is a drug-free workplace.
What Type of Drug Test Does SpaceX Use?
We could not find specific information to answer this question, but for certain positions on the SpaceX careers website it states that there is testing for drugs and alcohol.
The most common drug test is a five-panel urine test, which detects:
- Marijuana/Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine
The most common drug tests for alcohol would be a breathalyzer and a mouth swab. Breathalyzer detects alcohol, while a mouth swab tests for:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- Phencyclidine
When Does SpaceX Drug Test?
Certain positions are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening. Testing also is required if there is suspicion of substance use and following workplace accidents.
SpaceX Drug Testing Process
How Long Do SpaceX Drug Test Results Take?
Drug tests may take several days to result depending on the complexity of the test. Alcohol tests usually result more quickly.
What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test at SpaceX?
According to Elon Musk as mentioned above, a failed drug test can lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination for current employees. If you’re trying to get a job at SpaceX and fail a drug test, it’s almost certain that you’ll not be hired for the position. .
Does SpaceX Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?
We could not find specific information to answer this question, but typically, employers will contact you if you fail a drug test.
Employee Drug Testing Policies for SpaceX
Does SpaceX Drug Test Seasonal Employees?
According to the SpaceX careers website, most temporary employees work in their food service department, although there are other temporary positions as well. The job descriptions for these positions do not specifically state that a drug test is required. However, Elon Musk has stated that SpaceX is a drug-free work environment and this applies to temporary employees as well.
Does SpaceX Drug Test Warehouse Employees?
The warehouse positions on the SpaceX website do not state that drug testing is required for these positions. But considering it is a drug-free environment, one would be wise to prepare for a drug test prior to an interview.
Does SpaceX Drug Test Employees?
Many current and former SpaceX employees report that they have never been drug tested at SpaceX, pre-employment or otherwise. However, certain positions on the SpaceX careers website list pre-employment and random drug testing as a job requirement. These positions include security officers, positions requiring top secret clearance, mission positions, and satellite positions.
Does SpaceX Drug Test For a Promotion?
This would depend on the new job role, as certain positions require pre-employment and random drug and alcohol tests.
Does SpaceX Drug Test if You Get Injured on the Job?
Yes, SpaceX requires drug tests after on-the-job accidents. This is consistent with most companies who drug test after accidents in the workplace that result in damage to properties or injury within the workplace. This is for liability reasons as a positive drug test would void any potential worker’s compensation claims.
Marijuana Drug Testing at SpaceX
Does SpaceX Drug Test For Weed?
Our research could not clearly conclude whether THC is tested for specifically. It is only stated on the SpaceX careers website that certain positions require pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. It is known that Elon Musk and all SpaceX employees received random drug tests from the government from 2018 to 2019 after Elon Musk smoked marijuana on the Joe Rogan Show.
Does SpaceX Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?
We could not find specific information to answer this question. Certain positions are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing, however it is not known whether an exception would be made for the medical marijuana card. Because SpaceX receives funding from the federal government and marijuana is illegal on the federal level, it would be logical to conclude that medical marijuana is not accepted.