Comms

Keeps the signal up between Mars and Earth: radios, avionics and the software behind them.

Frontier work hiring now: Build the links: satellite-to-phone networks, fiber, 5G and the IoT radios on every truck, sensor and rig in the field.

See 420 related openings Join as Comms

On Earth

On Earth this is RF, avionics, embedded and network engineering, plus the software engineers who build everything from flight code to the apps that run a plant.

In space

A signal takes roughly 3 to 22 minutes to travel between Mars and Earth, depending on where the planets are. Signals go through NASA's Deep Space Network and orbiters acting as relays, so the link has to work without live help.

Source: NASA: Deep Space Network

Roles on our board now

Real titles from current openings that lead toward Comms work. 86 internship · 29 entry · 305 experienced

Core skills

Embedded C and C++
RF and antennas basics
Networking
Electronics and PCB debugging
Test automation

Tools you'll see

Oscilloscopes and SDRs
Python
Git and CI
KiCad or Altium
Linux

Earth backgrounds that transfer

Ham radio operators
Telecom and cable technicians
Network engineers
Military signals and avionics techs
Software developers

Starting out

Electrical or computer engineering, CubeSat teams and avionics internships. Our Comms Academy track is a good first step.

Changing careers

Telecom, IT and software experience transfers. Start with the Comms track, then aim at avionics, embedded or flight software roles.

Academy track

The Comms Track: Spacecraft Links and Flight Software Basics track is open: 4 modules and a final test, free for crew members.

Start the track

Comms ranks

Ranks reflect Mars Mining Academy progress. They are not job titles and do not mean employment. Everyone starts at Signal Tech 1 the moment they join and pick Comms. Ranks are worked out from the quizzes you pass, the certificates you earn and the projects you finish. You can't set them yourself.

Signal Tech 1 MM-R1
Join the department. Everyone starts here.
Signal Tech 2 MM-R2
Pass 2 module quizzes in this department's track and fill in your resume basics: name, contact and target role, education and training, professional experience and skills.
Signal Tech 3 MM-R3
Pass every module quiz in this department's track and finish early life, the work-style interview, passions and at least one portfolio item. Lateral transfer opens here.
Network Eng MM-R4
Earn the track certificate and finish a solo real-world project, submitted and reviewed. Coming: projects aren't open yet.
Senior Eng MM-R5
Finish a team project with other crew members. Coming: projects aren't open yet.
Comms Chief MM-R6
Lead a team project and pass the capstone. Coming: projects aren't open yet.

Transfers

You serve in one department at a time and start at Signal Tech 1 (R1). Once you reach R3 in your department you can put in for a lateral transfer. You start at R1 in the new department, and every rank you earned before stays on your service record, which shows on your dashboard and your certificate verify page.

Before R3 you stay put. The one exception: if you picked wrong, you can change once in your first 7 days.

You can hold top rank in every department. That takes years, because the higher ranks need real-world projects and team work, not just quizzes.

Is this you?

You like getting a signal through when conditions are bad
You enjoy electronics and code together
You are patient with delays and retries

If you nodded at two or more, Comms is worth a look. Not sure? Take the quiz.

Join the crew