Engineering Manager, Data Systems

KoBold Metals; United States; Remote; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in mineral exploration is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead its Data Systems Engineering team. This role involves building a high-performing team, collaborating with data scientists and geoscientists, and developing robust data systems to drive mineral discovery. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of software experience, with strong leadership skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Attractive salary range of $200,000-$240,000, fully remote within the United States or Canada.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience building production software systems.
• 3+ years in an engineering leadership role with direct reports.
• Experience building robust distributed cloud data systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing software engineering team.
• Collaborate with data scientists and geologists.
• Contribute to projects as an individual contributor.

Skills

Building production software systems

Engineering leadership

Cloud data systems

Database technologies

Project ownership

Dealing with ambiguity

Education

Formal education or job exposure to natural sciences

Job description

About The Company

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. 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. 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.

Position Overview

As an early Engineering Manager on the Data Systems Engineering team, you will shape how we build our product and organization to realize our vision of modern mineral exploration. Working closely with data scientists, geologists, and other engineers, you will develop robust data systems to unlock insights and streamline scientific processes, ultimately contributing to the discovery of vital energy transition metals.

Responsibilities Of This Role Include

• Thoughtfully build and lead a high-performing software engineering team, hiring and developing diverse individuals
• Leverage your team in collaboration with data scientists, geoscientists, and other engineers to plan, prioritize, and deliver impactful projects that accelerate our exploration efforts
• Work with the Head of Data Systems Engineering and interdisciplinary leaders across the company on our strategy to advance both our technical product and organization
• Collaborate with cross‑functional peers (geoscientists and data scientists) across the company, learning about mineral exploration, and coach your team to become better partners
• Spend roughly one‑third of your time contributing to projects as an individual contributor

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience building production software systems
• 3+ years in an engineering leadership role with direct reports
• Experience building robust distributed cloud data systems; bonus for managing large geospatial or geoscientific datasets
• Deep understanding of multiple database and data storage technologies
• Track record of owning projects from definition through delivery with demonstrated impact in an iterative manner
• Skilled at dealing with ambiguity and prioritizing effectively from multiple inputs
• Formal education or job exposure to natural sciences

Work Practices And Motivation

• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn about mineral exploration, particularly geology, and enjoy collaborating with geologists worldwide
• Ability to explain technical problems to and collaborate on solutions with domain experts who are not software developers; strong communication skills across the company
• Excitement about joining a fast‑growing early‑stage company, comfort with a dynamic environment, and eagerness to tackle evolving responsibilities
• Keen to build technology that delivers business results and to identify the right product opportunities

KoBold Metals is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for people of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

The US base salary range for this full‑time exempt position is $200,000‑$240,000.

Location: Remote. Candidates may be located anywhere in the United States or Canada. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada.