Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer will take overall responsibility for their team, spot problems, assist as necessary, and troubleshoot. As such, the Chief Engineer must have an overall understanding of the entire mission (see Background Briefing) and the roles and responsibilities of each Mission Controller. The Chief Engineer will also work closely with the Chief Scientist.

Before the mission begins check that all team members are prepared. While the Rover is expected to work for at least 30 days, it is extremely important to get as much work done as quickly as possible, just in case something goes wrong.


All requests regarding operation of the Rover must be approved by the appropriate Mission Controllers, and the Chief Scientist and Engineer, who have the power of veto to cancel requests. See 'Your Requests' at the bottom of the Mission Control task screen.


Initial protocol (as soon as the Rover lands) will be as follows:

  • Use the mast camera to scan the area immediately surrounding the Rover Robotics

  • Select first site as suggested by scientists (who have access to remote-sensing mineral maps of the site, which they should check against the Rover's view, and which will always take precedence) and approved by engineers

  • Set way-point and drive to location Navigator

  • Deploy Robotic Arm Robotics

  • Deploy Instruments (as selected by Scientists and approved by the Power Engineer)

  • Download data, including spectra, identify and indicate on survey map Astrobiology, Chemist, Geologist

  • Select second site (as negotiated by Scientists and Navigator and approved by Power)

  • Repeat process, prioritising sites against time and power budget.


Note: While the mission is operating, Communications, Environmental conditions (Space Weather & Mars Meteorologist) and Rover Performance (Thermal Engineer) must be constantly monitored, and appropriate action taken if necessary.

To apply for the position of Chief Engineer complete and submit the following application. You can download the application here.