Job Details

Hardware Development Engineer, Advanced Technology Group

This role will drive the design, development, and deployment of a next-generation hardware technology that transforms how KoBold collects and interprets exploration data. Ideal for a mechanical engineer who thrives at the intersection of science, engineering, and data and is excited about bringing new technology to life.

Base Pay Range

$130,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr

Additional Compensation

Stock options

Location

San Francisco Bay Area. Must be able to work out of the Berkeley, CA office on any given day of the week.

Travel

Domestic and international, 20-30% time. Travel may include visits to remote field sites, with trips extending to 3+ weeks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of a novel, automated sensing and imaging system from concept and prototype to deployment of multiple systems in remote field sites.
• Lead system architecture definition, navigating technical tradeoffs through rigorous research and analysis and balancing cost, complexity, and timeline.
• Collaborate with KoBold's data systems and exploration teams to integrate the new data stream into KoBold's proprietary data system and ensure usability for exploration projects.
• Build a deep understanding of mineral exploration science and operations to ensure the system and data generated meet user needs and field requirements.
• Build partnerships, source, and contract with service providers and vendors to develop hardware solutions that solve KoBold exploration needs.
• Create effective product plans and mechanical, mechatronic, and automation designs - from concept through prototyping and production.
• Contribute engineering expertise, analysis, and design to various hardware projects across Kobold.
• Help develop Kobold's hardware development tools and processes.

Qualifications

• A successful track record of developing and deploying complex state‑of‑the‑art automated scientific equipment.
• Experience deploying and supporting complex equipment to remote sites including commissioning, validation, training, and monitoring.
• The ability to simultaneously and gracefully wear many hats including technical lead, project manager, product manager, and hands‑on in‑the‑weeds engineer.
• Excellent communication skills for a highly interdisciplinary workplace.

Technical Skills

• Leading teams to execute end‑to‑end technical product development from concept through testing and deployment.
• Physical measurement and data analysis systems.
• Applying scientific knowledge to identify and prototype emerging technologies.
• Automation, systems integration, and data acquisition.
• Mechanical engineering, CAD, analysis, prototyping.
• Vendor selection and management.
• 3rd‑party contractor selection and management.

Work Practices and Motivation

• Ability and desire to take ownership and responsibility of large projects.
• Enjoys constantly learning such that you are driving insights and innovations.
• Ability to explain technical problems to and collaborate on solutions with domain experts who are not hardware experts.
• Excitement about joining a fast‑growing early‑stage company, comfort with a dynamic work environment, and eagerness to take on a range of responsibilities.
• Ability to independently prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Solutions oriented, positive, and collaborative.

Optional Experience

• Product management for scientific hardware.
• Optics, electronics, and instrumentation.
• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn about all aspects of mineral exploration, particularly in the geology domain.
• Ability to explain technical problems to and collaborate on solutions with domain experts who are not hardware engineers.
• A strong communicator who enjoys working with colleagues across the company.
• Excitement about joining a fast‑growing early‑stage company, comfort with a dynamic work environment, and eagerness to take on an evolving range of responsibilities.
• Keen not just to build cool technology, but to figure out what technical product to build to best achieve the business objectives of the company.
• A valid passport and willingness to travel to observe our work at Mingomba or at an exploration site around the world.

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

This position is Full‑time Exempt.