Geotechnical Engineer

About the company: 

In the coming decades, our world needs far more critical minerals including copper, lithium, and cobalt, to build electric infrastructure, vehicles, data centers, and electronics. The mining industry is making 10x fewer discoveries per dollar spent on exploration compared to 30 years ago because the easy-to-find, near surface deposits have largely been discovered.

KoBold is the leading scientific mineral exploration, mine development, and technology development company. Our goal is to turn mineral exploration into a repeatable science to discover the minerals the world needs—by integrating artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and new technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, engineers, and geologists work together to build data systems, design new sensors, and establish industry-leading workflows to develop and test subsurface predictions on our exploration projects.

Our first discovery, Mingomba, is a high-grade copper deposit in Zambia, found after spending materially less than industry average. We are developing Mingomba with the same technical rigor that we apply to exploration. The Mingomba team brings together mine and processing engineers, geologists, data scientists, software engineers, and community, health & safety, construction, and operations specialists. By combining industry knowledge and cutting edge technology, we are developing Mingomba into a world class project that has safer and more predictable outcomes for ourselves, partners, and communities. It is expected to create thousands of good jobs for generations.

KoBold runs exploration programs in eight countries, all with the potential for another discovery.

KoBold is privately held; investors include institutional asset managers T. Rowe Price and Canada Pension Plan Investments; technology venture capitalists Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BOND Capital, Durable Capital, StepStone, and Standard Investments; and strategic natural resources companies BHP and Mitsubishi.

About the position

The Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for providing geotechnical expertise to support the safe and efficient design, operation, and monitoring of underground mining activities. This role involves assessing ground conditions, designing support systems, conducting stability analyses, and ensuring compliance with geotechnical standards and mining regulations. The Geotechnical Engineer will report to Lead Geotechnical Engineer and will work closely with mine planning, geology, hydrology, Safety and operations teams to mitigate geotechnical risks and optimize production.

Responsibilities    

Ground Control & Stability

• Conduct rock mass characterization (RMR, Q-System, GSI, RQD) and develop geotechnical models.
• Perform stope, drift, shaft, and pillar stability analyses using empirical methods and numerical modelling (Map3D, FLAC3D).
• Design, specify, and optimize ground support systems (bolts, cable bolts, shotcrete, mesh, etc.).
• Monitor and assess performance of excavations and ground support.

Geotechnical Data Collection & Monitoring

• Log core and map underground exposures to identify structures, discontinuities, and rock mass conditions.
• Install and interpret geotechnical instrumentation (extensometers, stress cells, convergence monitoring, etc.).
• Develop and maintain geotechnical databases and records.
• Monitor Geotechnical compliance on shaft sinking

Mine Planning & Risk Management

• Provide geotechnical input into short-, medium-, and long-term mine designs.
• Conduct risk assessments for potential ground control hazards.
• Advice on excavation sequencing, stope design, and backfill strategies to optimize safety and ore recovery.
• Enforce and manage Ground control Management Plan (GCMP)

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare technical reports, geotechnical assessments, and recommendations for management and regulators.
• Ensure compliance with statutory mine safety and ground control standards (GCMP).
• Support audits and reviews of geotechnical practices.

Collaboration & Training

• Work with multidisciplinary teams (geology, ventilation, mine planning, operations).
• Train and mentor junior engineers, technicians, and operators on geotechnical awareness and support practices.

Qualifications

A great Geotechnical Engineering candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or equivalent.
• Professional registration (EIZ) as an Engineer is an advantage.
• 5 years’ experience in underground mining
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., RocScience suite, Map3D, Leapfrog, Deswik).
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics, ground support design, and underground excavation stability.
• Good understanding of safety systems and statutory mine regulations.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all people.

This position is a full-time contract role.

At this time, we are only accepting applications from Zambian nationals.

Location: Northern Copperbelt (i.e., Chingola or Chililabombwe).

What to Expect

Joining KoBold means getting the opportunity for hands-on exposure to our exploration projects around the world. All employees are expected to travel to project sites, with a minimum of one week per year. Field-facing and technical roles spend significantly more time in the field.