Senior Drilling Engineer

KoBold Metals

Senior Drilling Engineer at KoBold Metals, supervising drilling strategies for mineral exploration programs. Collaborating with global teams to ensure quality data collection and operational safety.

Posted 5/21/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

What you’ll need

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

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

drilling engineeringhole designdrilling method selectioncasing designtorque and drag analysisdirectional drilling designmud system designroot cause analysisdata collection planningprocurement processes

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringtechnical oversightproblem-solvingcommunicationindependencecollaborationcreativityjudgmentcommitment to safety

Certifications

First Aid CertificationP.Eng. designationWilderness First Aid