502. Roberto Vela III: SpaceX Career, Military Discipline, and Fatherhood as a Young Dad
Better Call Daddy
In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Roberto Vela III, a former oil field worker turned SpaceX aerospace technician, to talk career reinvention, military discipline, and fatherhood.
Roberto shares how he answered Elon Musk's open call for talent and landed a job at SpaceX, describing the chaotic, high energy experience of interviewing alongside hundreds of other hopefuls.
He talks candidly about the pressure of working in the aerospace industry, where every launch carries massive stakes and the margin for error is razor thin.
The conversation traces Roberto's path from military paratrooper to aerospace technician, and how his time in the service built the resilience, composure, and work ethic that prepared him for a career at one of the most demanding companies in the world. He recounts witnessing rocket launches and explosions firsthand, the tight camaraderie among people working at the edge of what is possible, and even lighter perks of the job, like SpaceX providing food for employees during long shifts.
Roberto also opens up about fatherhood, sharing how becoming a young dad reshaped how he thinks about legacy, purpose, and the values he wants to pass on to his children. He talks about the importance of work ethic, adaptability, and staying curious in a fast changing world, from his unconventional career path to teaching himself photography.
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, career changes, military to civilian transitions, the space industry, or raising kids with strong values, this episode has something for you.
What's In This Episode
Roberto Vela’s career journey from oil fields to SpaceX
What it's really like interviewing for a job at SpaceX
How military service as a paratrooper shaped his career
Witnessing rocket launches and rocket failures up close
Life inside SpaceX, including everyday perks like on site food for employees
Why family and legacy drive everything he builds
Lessons from a non-linear, unconventional career path
The role of mentorship and community in career growth
How to embrace change and pursue new passions
Why work ethic matters most when building a legacy
Teaching himself photography as a creative outlet
Memorable Quotes
From Roberto Vela
"The military taught me to look cool under pressure, even when I didn't know what I was doing."
"Everything I'm building is for my children. I want them to have the tools to succeed."
"If I can learn something that's very hard, then I think other people can."
"I want them to have the generational work ethic."
From Reena Friedman Watts
"You're creating that legacy one call at a time."
From Big Daddy Wayne Friedman
"It's always worthwhile to be on the Better Call Daddy show."
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction to Roberto Vela III and his background
(05:15) The experience of interviewing at SpaceX
(15:30) Insights from military service and its impact on his career
(25:00) Witnessing rocket launches and the culture at SpaceX
(35:45) The joys and challenges of being a young dad
(45:00) Building a legacy and instilling values in his children
About Roberto Vela III
Roberto Vela III is a former oil field worker turned aerospace technician who has worked with SpaceX and Stoke Space. A dedicated father and passionate photographer, he is focused on learning new skills and building a lasting legacy for his family.
Connect with Roberto Vela III
Roberto Vela III, Co-Founder & CTO, Starport Space
https://robertvelaiii.com
LinkedIn: Roberto Vela III
Instagram: Roberto Vela III
X (formerly Twitter): Roberto Vela III
Connect with Reena Friedman Watts
Website: bettercalldaddy.com
LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts
Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts
Keywords: Roberto Vela III, SpaceX employee, aerospace industry career, military to civilian transition, paratrooper, career reinvention, fatherhood and legacy, entrepreneurship podcast, Better Call Daddy podcast, Stoke Space