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Brownsville Today
By the People, for the People
Musk Faces Hiring Challenges as SpaceX Moves to Remote Texas
Elon Musk's vision for a sprawling tech campus in Starbase, Texas is hampered by a lack of amenities and job opportunities for spouses and partners.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Elon Musk's ambitious plan to build a new SpaceX headquarters in the remote town of Starbase, Texas is facing an unexpected hurdle - attracting and retaining top talent. The 'significant other' problem, as Musk calls it, refers to the difficulty in finding jobs for the spouses and partners of SpaceX employees in the sparsely populated area near the U.S.-Mexico border. This contrasts sharply with the company's previous California location, which offered a larger job market and more amenities. Tesla's Austin campus is facing similar, though less acute, challenges as Musk works to build out infrastructure and create a more vibrant community in Starbase.
Why it matters
Musk's decision to move SpaceX and Tesla operations to Texas was driven by factors like lower costs and a more business-friendly environment. However, the hiring challenges highlight the importance of considering the broader ecosystem when choosing a location for a major tech operation. Simply offering competitive salaries isn't enough - employees also need a supportive environment for their families. Musk's efforts to build out infrastructure and create a more vibrant community in Starbase will be crucial to overcoming these hurdles and realizing his vision for the region.
The details
In Starbase, near the U.S.-Mexico border, SpaceX is the dominant employer, making it difficult for spouses and partners to find comparable non-SpaceX jobs. This contrasts sharply with the company's previous headquarters in El Segundo, California, which benefited from proximity to the vast job market of Los Angeles. Tesla's Giga Texas, located near Austin, faces a similar though less acute challenge, as Austin has a growing tech scene and larger population. To address these issues, Musk is developing a company town called 'Snailbrook' near The Boring Company and SpaceX, aiming to create a self-contained community with housing, services, and potentially more employment opportunities.
- Elon Musk recently discussed the 'significant other' problem in a recent interview.
The players
Elon Musk
The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who is leading the effort to build a new tech hub in Starbase, Texas.
SpaceX
An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk.
Tesla
An American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded by Elon Musk.
Starbase
The remote town in Texas where SpaceX is building its new headquarters, located near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Snailbrook
A company town being developed by Elon Musk near The Boring Company and SpaceX in Texas.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
The takeaway
Elon Musk's ambitious plans to build a tech hub in remote Texas face challenges in attracting and retaining top talent due to the lack of amenities and job opportunities for spouses and partners. Musk's efforts to develop infrastructure and create a more vibrant community in Starbase will be crucial to overcoming these hurdles and realizing his vision for the region.
