Extraterrestrial Materials Repair Specialist
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
- Contract type
- Fixed term contract
- Location
- -
- Closing date
- 1 Jan 2076
- Salary
- -
Location: Mars
Start date: As soon as your spacecraft arrives on Mars
About the role
On Mars, next day delivery is not an option - it’s more like next season delivery.
Mars residents depend on habitats, vehicles, clothing and infrastructure that can survive §extreme temperatures, radiation, low gravity and abrasive dust storms. When something breaks, ordering a replacement from Earth takes months.
We're looking for an Extraterrestrial Repair Materials Specialist to develop self-healing materials capable of detecting damage, repairing breaks and restoring performance.
From microscopic fractures in walls to broken remote vehicle parts and damaged spacesuits, you'll help ensure that critical systems can repair themselves, keeping Mars running safely and sustainably.
Key responsibilities
- Design smart composites that can self-heal after damage
- Develop coatings that can repair scratches caused by Martian dust
- Create leak-sealing polymers for next-generation habitats
- Engineer materials that can survive 50 years of radiation exposure
Essential skills
- Experience with polymers, composites, ceramics or advanced coatings
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of nanomaterials and embedded sensor technologies
- Previous off-world engineering experience
Benefits
- Annual trip to Earth
- Complimentary radiation-shielded accommodation
Apply now
Join us and help build a future where materials look after themselves.
Interested in the role?
This job is part of our National Engineering Day campaign imagining careers in 2076. While the vacancy isn't real, the engineering skills behind it are.
Learn more about our campaign
Explore real careers and pathways into materials, minerals, mining and manufacturing through IOM3 →
For National Engineering Day 2026, IOM3 looks 50 years ahead with two fictional jobs exploring how materials, minerals and mining expertise could help people live on Mars. Find out more: