Senior Drilling Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Design and Planning

• Oversee hole design, selection of drilling methods, and rig specifications for intricate exploration drilling projects, which include diamond core, sonic, reverse circulation, and air core programs.

• Create thorough drilling execution plans encompassing scope, cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and procurement strategies.

• Conduct detailed engineering designs to support the development of drilling programs for various hole types, including casing design, torque and drag analysis, directional drilling design, and mud system design.

• Perform comprehensive root cause analyses on all downhole failures, focusing on rod string and thread failures, stuck in hole incidents, wireline failures, and their correlation with dogleg severity, hole trajectory, and adherence to best drilling practices.

• Work closely with KoBold’s science teams to convert exploration hypotheses and data collection goals into actionable drilling programs and AFEs.

• Lead procurement activities from RFP creation to bid assessment and contractor selection, including evaluation of contractor safety management plans and technical capabilities.

• Assist in data collection planning throughout all stages of the Exploration Project Lifecycle.

• Develop innovative drilling solutions that enhance efficiency, data quality, or safety beyond traditional methods.

• Mentor two junior drilling engineers to enhance their skills in all aforementioned areas.

• Execution

• Provide technical oversight for drilling operations across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring compliance with hole design, safety standards, and data collection objectives.

• Utilize advanced hole design and analysis software tools to perform analyses and formulate recommendations during active projects.

• Oversee and direct contractor performance, offering technical guidance, feedback, and suggestions for improvement.

• Monitor and project production rates, costs, and resource needs; synthesize complex operational scenarios with their associated benefits and risks for leadership evaluation.

• Ensure that drilling safety and value engineering principles are upheld throughout program execution.

• Identify and resolve intricate multivariable drilling challenges using independent judgment and technical expertise.

• Mentor two junior drilling engineers to develop their skills in all aforementioned areas.

• Closure

• Lead post-program evaluations and lessons learned discussions to foster continuous improvement in drilling operations.

• Contribute to the establishment of KoBold’s drilling engineering standards and best practices.

• Mentor two junior drilling engineers to enhance their skills in all aforementioned areas.

• Compliance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure drilling programs adhere to relevant regulatory, environmental, and permitting requirements across various jurisdictions.

• Ensure execution is conducted in accordance with applicable permitting processes, land access agreements, community relations obligations, third-party agreements, and any joint venture requirements.

• Represent KoBold to drilling contractors, regulatory authorities, and external partners with professionalism and sound judgment.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Petroleum, Civil, Geological, or Electrical Engineering with over 7 years of progressive experience in drilling engineering for oil and gas and/or mineral exploration.

• Fully proficient in all standard drilling techniques and procedures, with advanced expertise in diamond core drilling operations across various program types, regions, and commodities.

• In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies pertinent to drilling programs, including seasonal and terrain-specific construction (tracks, pads, access roads).

• Advanced understanding of helicopter-supported exploration drilling, including optimization of utilization and emergency response considerations.

• Proficient in hole design and analysis software tools.

• Strong grasp of procurement processes: RFP creation, bid evaluation, contract administration, and vendor management.

• Proven commitment to health and safety standards, including incident management, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.

• Comprehensive knowledge of industry drilling codes, company standards, and safety protocols.

• Capability to design complex drilling programs including scope, cost estimates, risk assessments, procurement, and execution plans.

• Ability to work in remote and isolated environments for extended durations across diverse global settings.

• A high level of independence and the capacity to work efficiently with minimal supervision.

• Proficient in English; fluency in French is considered a significant advantage.

• Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred).

• Actively pursuing or holding a P.Eng. designation or equivalent professional registration.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance

• 401(k) matching

• Flexible work hours

• Paid time off

• Opportunities for professional development