How to apply for Software Engineer (All Levels)

About KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is a climate-tech company using AI and data science to accelerate the discovery of critical minerals needed for the electrification economy. By combining geoscience, machine learning, and large-scale data systems, they aim to make mineral exploration faster, cheaper, and more successful. Working here means directly contributing to the global transition to clean energy while solving complex, real-world data problems.

About the role

As a Software Engineer on the Data Systems Engineering team, you will build and maintain the data pipelines and tooling that make mineral exploration data accessible to both humans and machines. You'll work closely with exploration geologists and data scientists to understand their needs and deliver software that improves exploration success rates. This is a high-impact role where your code directly enables discoveries of minerals essential for combating climate change.

A typical day

You might start your day with a stand-up with the Data Systems Engineering team, then dive into building a new data pipeline that ingests geochemical assay data from a recent drilling campaign. Later, you'll meet with exploration geologists to understand their pain points and iterate on a tool you've built to visualize anomalies. In the afternoon, you'll review code, write tests, and perhaps mentor a junior engineer on best practices for scalable system design.

Who KoBold Metals is looking for

• 4+ years of software engineering experience, with a strong focus on building production cloud data systems (e.g., using AWS/GCP, data pipelines, ETL).
• Proficient in Python and experienced in writing production-quality code that is correct, readable, well-tested, scalable, and extensible.
• Skilled in large-scale system design, with a track record of taking ownership from problem definition to delivery and iterating based on user feedback.
• Intellectually curious and eager to learn about mineral exploration and geoscience, with the ability to collaborate effectively with geologists and data scientists.

Tips for this application

• Highlight experience with data pipelines and cloud data systems in your resume—quantify impact (e.g., 'reduced data processing time by X%').
• Show genuine interest in KoBold's mission by mentioning specific challenges in mineral exploration or climate tech in your cover letter.
• Demonstrate Python proficiency through a portfolio or GitHub showcasing production-quality code, ideally with tests and documentation.
• Emphasize any cross-functional collaboration, especially with non-engineers (e.g., scientists, analysts), as this role requires deep engagement with geologists.
• If you have experience leading small teams or projects, explicitly describe how you drove delivery and iterated based on feedback.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your experience building production cloud data systems and how it translates to making exploration data accessible; (2) a specific example of taking ownership of a project from design to delivery and its impact; (3) your eagerness to learn about mineral exploration and work closely with geologists; (4) your proficiency in Python and commitment to writing scalable, well-tested code. Avoid generic statements—tie each point to KoBold's mission and the Data Systems Engineering team's goals.

Research before applying

• Read KoBold's blog and press releases to understand their exploration projects (e.g., in Zambia, Canada) and how their AI/ML models are applied.
• Familiarize yourself with common mineral exploration data types (e.g., drill core assays, geochemistry, geophysics) and the concept of 'data accessibility' in this context.
• Investigate KoBold's tech stack—look for mentions of cloud providers, data tools, or open-source contributions in job posts or engineering blogs.
• Understand the broader critical minerals landscape (lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper) and why they are essential for electrification and climate goals.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Designing a data pipeline for large-scale, heterogeneous geoscience data (e.g., drill hole assays, geophysical surveys) with considerations for scalability and accessibility.
• Writing production-quality Python code: expect live coding or take-home exercises focusing on correctness, readability, and testability.
• System design for a cloud-based data platform that serves both human analysts and machine learning models, including trade-offs between batch and streaming.
• Behavioral questions about taking ownership, leading small teams, and iterating on projects based on user feedback—especially with non-engineering stakeholders.
• Domain knowledge: basic understanding of mineral exploration data types and challenges, or willingness to learn quickly (they may ask how you'd approach learning about a new scientific domain).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic software engineering resume that doesn't highlight data systems, cloud, or Python—this role is highly specialized.
• Ignoring the mission: KoBold is climate-focused, so not mentioning interest in climate tech or mineral exploration can make you seem misaligned.
• Failing to demonstrate production-quality coding practices (e.g., no mention of testing, scalability, or maintainability) in your application materials.