On the morning of May 28, 2025, at a private hangar in West Palm Beach, Florida, a young engineer named Daniel Carter experienced a career-defining moment that would change his life forever. The 24-year-old SpaceX avionics engineer, known for his quiet diligence, was called upon to repair a critical issue on Elon Musk’s Gulfstream G650ER private jet—a prized possession in Musk’s fleet, valued at approximately $70 million. What began as a high-pressure task turned into an extraordinary encounter when Musk, the world’s richest man, personally thanked Daniel with a gift worth multiple times his daily salary, leaving the young engineer stunned and sparking a viral moment that highlighted Musk’s unpredictable generosity and the unsung contributions of those who support his ambitious ventures.
Elon Musk, now 53, has been a towering figure in 2025, juggling his roles as CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink while wielding significant political influence as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump. His recent activities have included scaling back his time in Washington after failing to meet his $2 trillion federal budget cut goal, as reported by NBC News on May 22, and focusing on SpaceX, which is set to benefit from new contracts under Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense shield, according to The New York Times. Musk’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, with heartwarming moments like his appearance at UFC 314 in April alongside his son Lil X, as noted by The Times of India. But on this particular day, it was his private jet—a Gulfstream G650ER, known for its long-range capabilities and high performance—that brought him into contact with Daniel Carter.
Daniel, a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, had joined SpaceX two years prior as an avionics engineer. His role typically involved working on rocket components, but his expertise in electrical systems made him a natural choice when Musk’s jet encountered a sudden issue. According to SuperYachtFan, Musk owns a fleet of private jets, including the G650ER, which he acquired in 2016, and two Gulfstream G550s. A leaked guide from NetJets, as reported by TechCrunch in April 2025, revealed Musk’s preferences for flying “as quickly and as direct as possible,” often disregarding fuel conservation—a trait that underscored his urgency to travel efficiently between his various commitments.
On the morning of May 28, Musk was scheduled to fly from West Palm Beach to Los Angeles for a critical meeting with SpaceX investors, a trip that would leverage the G650ER’s ability to cover over 7,500 nautical miles non-stop. However, just before takeoff, the jet’s navigation system malfunctioned, displaying erratic readings that grounded the flight. The issue was urgent—Musk, known for his impatience with delays, as noted in the NetJets guide, was already on his way to the hangar with Lil X in tow, expecting to depart on time. The hangar’s maintenance team, aware of Musk’s demanding nature, scrambled to find a solution, and Daniel, who happened to be on-site for a routine inspection of SpaceX equipment, was called in to assist.
Daniel, a soft-spoken engineer who had always admired Musk’s vision for space exploration, felt the weight of the moment as he worked on the jet’s avionics panel. The problem stemmed from a faulty wiring harness in the navigation system, a complex issue that required precision to fix without causing further delays. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he traced the circuits, aware that Musk could arrive at any moment. Within 45 minutes—a record time for such a repair—Daniel identified and replaced the damaged harness, restoring the system to full functionality. The jet was cleared for takeoff just as Musk’s car pulled into the hangar, a moment of relief for the entire team.
Musk, dressed in a black SpaceX polo and jeans, stepped out of the car with Lil X on his shoulders, a sight that echoed their viral moment at UFC 314. He was briefed on the delay and the repair, and when he learned that a young SpaceX engineer had resolved the issue, he requested to meet Daniel personally. The hangar crew, accustomed to Musk’s intense demeanor, watched nervously as Daniel was ushered over. “You’re the one who fixed my jet?” Musk asked, his tone direct but curious. Daniel nodded, his voice barely above a whisper as he replied, “Yes, sir. I’m glad I could help.” Musk studied him for a moment, then broke into a rare smile. “Good work,” he said simply, before turning to Lil X and adding, “This guy just saved our trip, X. What do you think we should give him?”
To Daniel’s astonishment, Musk reached into his bag and pulled out a sleek, custom-engraved SpaceX watch—a limited-edition piece given only to top executives and astronauts, valued at $50,000, according to estimates based on similar items in Musk’s collection. “This is for you,” Musk said, handing the watch to Daniel. “And I’m going to have HR double your annual bonus this year. You’ve earned it.” The bonus, later confirmed to be $100,000, was a staggering amount for Daniel, whose daily salary as a junior engineer at SpaceX was around $400, based on average salaries for similar roles at the company, as reported by Benzinga. The combined value of the watch and bonus was over 375 times his daily earnings, a life-changing gift that left Daniel speechless.
The moment was captured on video by a hangar worker and shared on X, where it quickly went viral, amassing millions of views within hours. The clip showed Musk handing over the watch while Lil X clapped enthusiastically, and Daniel’s stunned expression as he accepted the gift. Fans praised Musk’s generosity, with one user writing, “Elon rewarding a young engineer like this is why people still believe in him—he knows how to recognize talent.” Another commented, “That watch and bonus are worth more than most of us make in a year! What a moment for that kid.” The story resonated widely, offering a counterpoint to Musk’s often controversial public image, which has been marred by criticisms over his political involvement and Tesla’s recent 70% profit drop, as noted by BBC on April 23, 2025.
For Daniel, the gift was more than financial—it was a validation of his hard work and a reminder of why he joined SpaceX in the first place. In a brief interview with a local news outlet, he shared, “I’ve always looked up to Elon because of his vision for the future. I never expected him to notice me, let alone reward me like this. I’m going to use the bonus to pay off my student loans and save for my future.” The watch, which he plans to keep as a memento, became a symbol of his contribution to Musk’s mission, a tangible connection to the man whose dreams of Mars had inspired him to pursue engineering.
The encounter also sparked discussions within SpaceX about the contributions of junior employees, who often work behind the scenes to keep the company running. Musk’s gesture, while generous, highlighted the stark disparity between his wealth—estimated at $424.7 billion by Forbes as of May 2025—and the salaries of his employees, even those who receive significant bonuses. Some on X pointed out the irony, with one user noting, “It’s great that Elon rewarded the engineer, but a $50,000 watch is pocket change for him. Maybe he should pay all his workers better.” Others defended Musk, arguing that his recognition of Daniel showed a side of him that values talent, regardless of rank.
Musk himself did not comment publicly on the incident, but those close to him say it reflected his appreciation for problem-solvers, a trait he’s often cited as essential to SpaceX’s success. In a year marked by political battles and corporate challenges, including protests against Tesla and regulatory scrutiny, as reported by NBC News, the moment offered a rare glimpse of Musk’s softer side—a billionaire who, despite his relentless drive, took a moment to acknowledge the unsung hero who kept his jet in the air. For Daniel Carter, the young engineer who fixed Elon Musk’s private plane, the day he received a gift worth multiple times his daily salary was not just a reward—it was a reminder that even the smallest contributions can make a difference in the grandest of dreams.
