The 14-Year-Old Super Smart Kid Got a Job at SpaceX

In May 2021, a 14-year-old boy named Jackson Oswalt made headlines when he announced that he had landed a job at SpaceX, one of the most innovative and exciting companies in the world. Jackson’s story is remarkable not just because of his age, but because of his incredible intelligence and determination.

Jackson Oswalt was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 2006. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in science and technology, and by the time he was 10 years old, he had already built a working nuclear fusion reactor in his parents’ garage. This achievement made him the youngest person ever to achieve nuclear fusion, and it earned him widespread recognition and praise from the scientific community.

Despite his success, Jackson remained humble and focused on his goals. He continued to study and experiment, and he soon became interested in space exploration and rocket science. He began reading books and watching videos about SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, and he was fascinated by the company’s mission to make life multi-planetary.

In 2020, Jackson decided to apply for an internship at SpaceX. He knew that the company was highly selective and that the chances of getting accepted were slim, but he was determined to try. He spent months preparing his application, which included a detailed resume, a cover letter, and a video explaining his qualifications and interest in the company.

To his surprise and delight, Jackson was invited to interview with SpaceX. He flew to the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California, where he met with engineers and executives and discussed his ideas and goals. Despite his nervousness, he impressed everyone with his knowledge and enthusiasm, and he was offered a job on the spot.

Jackson’s job at SpaceX is not a typical one. He is not working on the rockets themselves, but rather on the software that controls them. Specifically, he is working on the flight control software for the Falcon 9 rocket, which is used to launch satellites and resupply the International Space Station. His job involves writing code, testing simulations, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure that the software is safe and reliable.

For Jackson, working at SpaceX is a dream come true. He has always been passionate about space exploration, and he sees SpaceX as the company that is leading the way in this field. He is excited to be part of a team that is working on such important and groundbreaking projects, and he hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the company’s mission.

Of course, working at SpaceX is not without its challenges. Jackson is still a teenager, and he is working alongside experienced engineers who have decades of experience in the field. He has had to learn quickly and adapt to the fast-paced and demanding environment of the company. He has also had to balance his work with his schoolwork, as he is still a full-time student.

Despite these challenges, Jackson is thriving at SpaceX. He is learning new skills and gaining valuable experience that will serve him well in the future. He is also inspiring other young people to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional or ambitious they may seem.

Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a love of learning. He has achieved remarkable things at a young age, and he is just getting started. As he continues to grow and develop, he is sure to make even more impressive contributions to the world of science and technology.