Lead hole design, drilling method selection, and rig specification for complex exploration drilling programs including diamond core, sonic, reverse circulation and air core programs
Collaborate with KoBold’s science teams to translate exploration hypotheses and data collection objectives into executable drilling programs and AFEs
Lead procurement processes from RFP development through bid evaluation and contractor selection, including assessment of contractor safety management plans and technical capability
Generate creative drilling solutions that improve efficiency, data quality, or safety beyond conventional approaches
Mentor 2 junior drilling engineers to develop skills related to all aspects noted above Execute
Manage and direct contractor performance, providing technical guidance, feedback, and improvement recommendations
Track and forecast production rates, costs, and resource requirements; synthesize complex operational scenarios with
Ensure drilling safety and value engineering principles are applied throughout program execution
Identify and resolve complex multivariable drilling problems using independent judgment and technical expertise
Mentor 2 junior drilling engineers to develop skills related to all aspects noted above Close
Lead post-program reviews and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement in drilling operations
Mentor 2 junior drilling engineers to develop skills related to all aspects noted above
Ensure drilling programs comply with applicable regulatory, environmental, and permitting
Ensure execution is conducted within applicable permitting processes, land access agreements, community relations obligations, third-party agreements, and any joint venture requirements
Requirements
KoBold builds AI models for mineral exploration and deploys those models — alongside our novel sensors — to guide decisions on KoBold-owned-and-operated exploration programs.
Use advanced hole design and analysis software tools to conduct analyses and develop recommendations during active programs
Undergraduate or Masters degree in Mechanical, Petroleum, Civil, Geological or Electrical with 7+ years of progressive
experience in drilling engineering for oil and gas and/or mineral exploration
Fully competent in all standard drilling techniques and procedures, with advanced knowledge of diamond core drilling operations across multiple program types, geographies, and commodities
Advanced knowledge of construction methodology relevant to drilling programs, including seasonal and terrain-specific construction (tracks, pads, access roads)
Advanced understanding of helicopter-supported exploration drilling, including utilization optimization and emergency response considerations
Proficiency in hole design and analysis software tools
Strong understanding of procurement processes: RFP development, bid evaluation, contract administration, and vendor management
Comprehensive knowledge of industry drilling codes, company standards, and safety policies
Ability to work in remote and isolated locations for extended periods across diverse global environments
A high degree of independence and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision
Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
Working towards or holding P.Eng. designation or equivalent professional registration Preferred
Expert-level knowledge of drilling operations across multiple program types, geographies, and commodities, preference given to those with experience in Africa •
Experience working on projects with dedicated exploration teams including both Geologists and Data Scientists, demonstrating sustained partnership and effective interdisciplinary collaboration
Understanding of regulatory, environmental, and permitting frameworks across multiple jurisdictions •
Experience with logistics tied to complex remote drilling operations, including helicopter, weather, camps, chartered flights, and camp infrastructure •
Benefits
Rowe Price and Canada Pension Plan Investments; technology venture capitalists Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BOND Capital, Durable Capital, StepStone, and Standard Investments; and natural resources companies Equinor, BHP, and Mitsubishi. About the Role:
Additional details
The mining industry has steadily become worse at finding new ore deposits, requiring >10X more capital to make discoveries compared to 30 years ago.
The easy-to-find, near-surface deposits have largely been found, and the industry has chronically under-invested in new exploration technology, relying on the manual techniques of yesteryear — even as demand accelerates for copper, lithium, and other metals to build electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers.
In the six years since founding, KoBold has become by far both the largest independent mineral exploration company and the largest exploration technology developer.
Our data scientists and software engineers, who come from leading technology companies, jointly lead exploration programs with our renowned exploration geologists.
KoBold has proven its first discovery with materially less capital than the industry average and found one of the best copper deposits ever discovered: the copper is far more concentrated than the global average of copper mines, and this asset alone is expected to generate meaningful revenue for decades.
KoBold has a portfolio of more than 60 other projects, each of which has the potential for another high-quality discovery.
KoBold is privately held; investors include institutional asset managers T.
In the role of Senior Drilling Engineer, you will design, plan, and provide technical oversight of drilling programs across KoBold’s global exploration portfolio.
You will work closely with our science teams to translate exploration objectives into hole designs, drilling programs, and operational plans that deliver safe, high-quality data collection at optimal cost.
You will report to the Vice President Field Operations and collaborate daily with Geologists, Data Scientists, Field Operations, Drilling, HSE, and other functions.