Senior Software Engineer, United Kingdom

As a Senior Software Engineer at KoBold, your responsibilities include engaging deeply with exploration geologists and data scientists to understand mineral exploration thoroughly. You'll lead projects that involve building data pipelines, enabling access to exploration data for both human and machine use, and developing expertise in KoBold’s Data Systems. Additionally, you’ll manage project ownership from design and implementation to ongoing engagement, ensuring that the solutions you produce have real impact on exploration efforts.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer position at KoBold, you should have at least four years of software engineering experience with a focus on building production cloud data systems. Proficiency in Python is required, along with a strong background in large-scale system design. You should demonstrate a history of ownership in your projects and possess the intellectual curiosity to learn about mineral exploration processes. Strong communication skills for collaboration with domain experts who aren't software developers are also essential.

At KoBold, Senior Software Engineers primarily use Python in their tech stack, along with frameworks like Django and React. You'll also have opportunities to work with AWS as well as tools such as Retool and Prefect for data processing. Familiarity with modern frontend frameworks and container orchestration platforms such as Docker or Kubernetes would also be beneficial in this role.

The work environment for a Senior Software Engineer at KoBold is dynamic and collaborative, allowing you to directly interact with exploration teams. This role offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fieldwork of mineral exploration, making your contributions tangible and impactful. It’s a remote position based in the UK, so you'll have flexibility, but you’ll also engage closely with scientists and engineers across various projects.

KoBold values continuous learning and professional growth. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be encouraged to engage with geologists and data scientists to enhance your understanding of mineral exploration and its challenges. You'll have access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to learn directly from some of the best experts in the field, fostering an environment where your technical skills and domain knowledge can flourish.

In your response, detail your specific projects where you designed and implemented cloud data systems. Discuss the technologies you utilized, the challenges you faced, and how your solutions provided value. Highlight any metrics that showcase the success of your projects.

Explain your approach to prioritization by discussing how you assess the project's requirements and stakeholder needs. Share any frameworks or tools you use to manage your workload effectively, and offer examples of past situations where your prioritization skills led to successful project outcomes.

When discussing coding and design feedback, emphasize your collaborative mindset and openness to constructive criticism. Share specific instances where feedback led you to improve your work or to help others enhance their solutions, underlining the value of team communication.

Provide a concrete example of a technical challenge you faced in a past project, detailing the problem, your thought process in finding a solution, and how you implemented your solution. It’s crucial to communicate the impact your solution had on the overall project or system.

Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, emphasizing any specific strategies you use to communicate technical concepts to non-technical colleagues. Highlight examples that showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical staff effectively.

Express your view on the essential contributions of software engineers in the mineral exploration process. Discuss how technology and software can enhance exploration efficacy and address challenges in the field, aligning your belief with KoBold's mission.

Your answer should highlight your proactive approach to learning. Mention any structured learning methods you use, such as online courses, workshops, or collaborative learning with colleagues. Share examples of how picking up new technologies has benefited your previous projects.

Talk about how you have used Python in your previous roles, providing specific examples of projects or applications you've developed. If you have experience with other technologies in the KoBold stack, such as Django or React, highlight those as well to showcase your versatility.

Explain your passion for the mining industry and how it relates to your work as a software engineer. Discuss the importance of sustainable practices and innovative technologies in exploration, tying your excitement to KoBold's mission and vision.

Detail your coding practices, including documentation, testing, and code reviews. Discuss how you ensure that your solutions can be adapted and scaled for future needs, providing examples of past projects where maintainability was a key focus.