KoBold Metals · 1 month ago
Hardware Development Engineer, Advanced Technology Group
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$150K/yr - $190K/yrKoBold Metals is a leading independent mineral exploration company that leverages AI technology for mineral exploration. The Hardware Development Engineer will drive the design and development of next-generation hardware technology to enhance data collection and interpretation for exploration programs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)MineralMiningSoftware
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. Coordinate with and orchestrate internal and external resources across hardware and software engineering to deliver
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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 aren't 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
Preferred
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. Enjoys constantly learning such that you are driving insights through using our tools in exploration and willing to work directly with geologists in the field
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. Travel for this role typically does not exceed __ trips per year
Benefits
Company equity
Company
KoBold Metals
KoBold Metals is an AI-powered critical mineral startup that discovers essential materials for electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Founded in 2018
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
KoBold Metals has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1.22BKey Investors
T. Rowe PriceAndreessen Horowitz
2025-11-14Series C· $280M
2024-10-04Series C· $537M
2023-06-20Series B· $195M
Leadership Team
Josh Goldman
Co-Founder & President
Kurt Zenz House
Chief Executive & Co-Founder
Recent News
Globe and Mail
2026-01-11
The Economist
2025-12-19
2025-11-03
Company data provided by crunchbase