How to apply for Frontend Software Engineer

About KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is an AI-native mineral exploration, mine development, and technology company. It uses artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and new technology to find critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt. Its first discovery, Mingomba in Zambia, is a high-grade copper deposit found at materially less than industry average cost.

About the role

As a frontend software engineer, you will build the user interfaces and data systems that support KoBold's exploration and mine development work. Your work will help data scientists, engineers, and geologists visualize and interact with subsurface predictions and operational data. This role directly supports the company's goal of turning mineral exploration into a repeatable science.

A typical day

You will likely spend time building and refining user interfaces for KoBold's internal data platforms, collaborating with data scientists and geologists to understand their needs. You may also work on visualizing subsurface predictions or integrating new data sources into the frontend. The exact daily routine is not specified, so ask about team structure and typical workflows during interviews.

Who KoBold Metals is looking for

• Experience building frontend applications for data-heavy or scientific domains.
• Comfortable working with large datasets, APIs, and visualization libraries.
• Able to collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and geologists.
• Interest in climate change, electrification, or critical minerals is a plus.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any frontend work you have done with data visualization, mapping, or scientific tools.
• Mention specific examples of building interfaces that handle large or complex datasets.
• Show familiarity with KoBold's mission by referencing Mingomba or the company's approach to AI-native exploration.
• If you have worked in mining, geology, or energy, call that out explicitly.
• Apply through the company's careers page and tailor your resume to the frontend skills listed in the job description.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Why you want to build frontend tools for mineral exploration and climate impact.', 'Concrete examples of frontend projects you have delivered, especially those involving data visualization or scientific users.', 'How you have collaborated with non-engineers (e.g., scientists, geologists) to build software.', "Your interest in KoBold's specific approach: AI-native exploration and the Mingomba discovery."]

Research before applying

• Read about KoBold's Mingomba copper deposit in Zambia and what makes it significant.
• Understand the basics of mineral exploration and why critical minerals matter for electrification.
• Look into the technical stack KoBold uses (check their engineering blog or job posts for clues).
• Find out what AI-native means in the context of exploration and how frontend fits into that.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would design a frontend to display subsurface prediction data for geologists.
• Your experience with performance optimization for large datasets in the browser.
• How you handle feedback from non-technical users and iterate on UI.
• A walkthrough of a past frontend project where you had to learn a new domain.
• Why you want to work at KoBold and how you think about the role of software in mineral exploration.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic frontend resume without mentioning data visualization or scientific applications.
• Ignoring the company's mission and focusing only on technical skills.
• Failing to research KoBold's specific projects or the mining industry context.