Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. KoBold Metals is a leading independent mineral exploration company focused on utilizing AI models for mineral exploration. The Senior Drilling Engineer will design, plan, and oversee drilling programs globally, ensuring safe and efficient data collection while collaborating with various teams to achieve exploration objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead hole design, drilling method selection, and rig specification for complex exploration drilling programs including diamond core, sonic, reverse circulation and air core programs
- Develop comprehensive drilling execution plans: scope, cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and procurement strategies
- Complete detailed engineering design to inform the development of drilling programs for various hole types including casing design, torque and drag analysis, directional drilling design, mud system design
- Complete detailed root cause analysis on all downhole failures with a particular focus on rod string and thread failures, stuck in hole, wireline failures and the correlation to dogleg severity, hole trajectory, and adherence to good drilling practices
- 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
- Contribute to data collection planning during all phases of the Exploration Project Lifecycle
- 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
- Provide technical oversight of drilling operations across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring adherence to hole design, safety standards, and data collection objectives
- Use advanced hole design and analysis software tools to conduct analyses and develop recommendations during active programs
- 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 benefits and risks for leadership review
- 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
- Lead post-program reviews and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement in drilling operations
- Contribute to the development of KoBold’s drilling engineering standards and best practices
- Ensure drilling programs comply with applicable regulatory, environmental, and permitting requirements across multiple jurisdictions
- Ensure execution is conducted within applicable permitting processes, land access agreements, community relations obligations, third-party agreements, and any joint venture requirements
- Represent KoBold to drilling contractors, regulatory bodies, and external partners with professionalism and sound judgment
Skills
- 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
- Demonstrated commitment to health and safety standards, including incident management, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
- Comprehensive knowledge of industry drilling codes, company standards, and safety policies
- Ability to design complex drilling programs including scope, cost estimates, risk assessments, procurement, and execution plans
- 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
- Must speak, read, and write in English, French fluency considered a strong positive
- Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
- Working towards or holding P.Eng. designation or equivalent professional registration
- 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
- Experience evaluating and introducing new drilling technologies and methodologies
- Experience mentoring junior drilling engineers and technical staff
- Additional language skills (French, or languages relevant to KoBold's operating jurisdictions) are an asset
Company Overview