Senior Drilling Engineer

🕒 May 21

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KoBold Metals

WebsiteLinkedInAll Job Openings

51 - 200 employees

Founded 2019

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

🔬 Science

⚡ Energy

Artificial Intelligence • Science • Energy

KoBold Metals is a company specializing in advanced mineral exploration. By investing over $100 million annually across 60+ projects on five continents, KoBold is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence and novel hardware to transform mineral exploration into a repeatable science. The company aggregates comprehensive data on the Earth's crust and utilizes proprietary AI tools, including the Machine Prospector® system, to minimize uncertainties in exploration. KoBold Metals is committed to ethical exploration practices and is backed by world-class investors dedicated to discovering and developing new battery metal resources. Their innovative approach leverages AI to build the world's largest geoscience information collection and model subsurface data statistically.

📋 Description

• Design and Plan • 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 • Execute • 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 • 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 • Contribute to the development of KoBold’s drilling engineering standards and best practices • Mentor 2 junior drilling engineers to develop skills related to all aspects noted above • Compliance and Stakeholder Engagement • 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

🎯 Requirements

• 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.

🏖️ Benefits

• Health insurance • 401(k) matching • Flexible work hours • Paid time off • Professional development opportunities