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Employment in McGregor, Texas

McGregor's economy is famously dominated by the aerospace industry, with SpaceX being the city's largest and most well-known employer. Beyond aerospace, the city's employment landscape is supported by a strong public school system and a variety of local businesses.

Major Industry Segments

The primary industry segments in McGregor are:

  • Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing: This is the leading sector in McGregor, focused on rocket development and testing.
  • Public Education: The local school district is a significant and stable employer.
  • Healthcare: A local clinic provides essential health services and employment.
  • Retail and Services: A mix of local businesses, including agricultural supply stores, serve the community.

Major Employers

Aerospace & Manufacturing

  • SpaceX (Rocket Development and Test Facility): McGregor is home to SpaceX's rocket engine development and testing facility at 1 Rocket Road — a 4,280-acre leased site from the City of McGregor. SpaceX calls it the most advanced and active rocket engine test facility in the world, with over 7,000 tests conducted since opening and roughly seven engine test fires on a typical day. Every engine and thruster used in SpaceX rockets is tested here. The facility has grown to an estimated 800–1,000+ employees (baseline of 578 + additions under multiple incentive agreements). In 2025, SpaceX applied for the Texas Enterprise Zone Program (Jumbo tier: $250M+ investment, 500+ jobs) seeking $7.5 million in state incentives, with plans to add thousands of jobs company-wide by 2030, with McGregor as a key node.

  • Knauf Insulation (McGregor Manufacturing Facility): A 600,000 square foot fiberglass building insulation manufacturing and distribution plant in the McGregor Industrial Park. Opened October 2024. Produces Performance+® fiberglass building insulation — approximately 46 million square meters per year (enough to insulate ~125,000 homes annually). As of early 2026, Knauf is still actively hiring for McGregor positions.

  • EFC Gases & Advanced Materials ($210M Semiconductor Facility): Announced July 2024. EFC Gases (Hopkinton, MA) is constructing a $210 million specialty gas and fluorochemical manufacturing campus on 195 acres in the McGregor Industrial Park. The facility will produce fluorochemicals used in semiconductor chip etching and specialty rare gases (krypton, xenon, neon) used in chip fabrication — directly supporting the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. The City of McGregor is extending water/wastewater infrastructure and constructing an industrial rail spur to support the project.

    • Jobs: 120+ direct jobs.
    • Construction: Started early 2025; no confirmed opening date as of early 2026.
    • Expected Roles: Chemical engineers, process operators, laboratory technicians, logistics, administration.
    • Source: EFC Gases Press Release, Waco Chamber

Public Education

  • McGregor Independent School District: The public school system for the city of McGregor, serving over 1,500 students across four schools.
    • Expected Roles: Teachers, administrators, support staff, coaches, and other education-related positions.
    • Source: McGregor ISD Website

Healthcare

  • Coryell Health Medical Clinic - McGregor: A local clinic that provides a range of primary care and other medical services to the community.
    • Expected Roles: Physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff.
    • Source: Coryell Health Website

Retail and Services

  • McGregor General Store: A locally owned and operated store affiliated with Do it Best, providing hardware, feed, and western wear.
    • Expected Roles: Retail sales, cashiers, and department specialists.
  • Other Local Businesses: McGregor has a variety of other local businesses, including restaurants, boutiques, and service providers that contribute to the local employment base.

Career Opportunities

McGregor offers unique and highly sought-after career opportunities in the aerospace industry through SpaceX. This has attracted a skilled workforce to the area and has had a significant economic impact. Beyond SpaceX, the McGregor Independent School District provides stable employment in the education sector. The city's local businesses and healthcare clinic offer a range of jobs that serve the needs of the community. The proximity to Waco also provides residents with access to a wider range of employment options.

This information is based on publicly available data and is subject to change. For the most current job openings, it is recommended to consult online job boards and the websites of the companies listed.