Autonomy Systems Software Engineer at Kodiak

<div class="content-intro"><p>Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.</p></div><p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are looking for an Autonomy Software Systems Engineer who can derive requirements from first-principles for safe driving behavior for a self-driving vehicle. An ideal candidate will have background developing algorithms commonly used in autonomy or robotics applications in aerospace, automotive, or other domains.&nbsp; This will be used to support our safety claims about safe perception, motion planning, and control for autonomous robots so that we can ethically and safely deploy autonomous trucks to save lives and transform the freight industry.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>In this role, you will:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Collaborate closely with Autonomy Software teams by using first-principles analysis to develop requirements for safe perception, localization, prediction, motion planning, and/or control algorithms.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Identify edge cases that could help us expose weaknesses in our system prior to encountering them in on-road environments.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Provide analysis to support complex autonomy system design trade-offs to inform system design decisions affecting safety and performance.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Support development of simulation scenarios, structured track testing, on-road road testing, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>What you’ll bring:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1mxcs9q" data-start="1570" data-end="1637"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and system modeling</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="d5lwet" data-start="1638" data-end="1696"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or C</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="18gk8d0" data-start="1698" data-end="2190"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hands-on work across multiple of the following areas:</span> <ul data-start="1758" data-end="2190"> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1ejwkst" data-start="1758" data-end="1864"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sensor fusion and object tracking (e.g., Kalman filtering, particle filters, least squares estimation)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1utrqcw" data-start="1867" data-end="1965"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Machine learning methods (e.g., neural networks, SVMs, kNN, regression models, decision trees)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="10b4hd4" data-start="1968" data-end="2055"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Classical computer vision (e.g., edge/corner detection, camera calibration, optics)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="jdcqje" data-start="2058" data-end="2111"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Motion planning (e.g., A*, RRT, potential fields)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1rns9ap" data-start="2114" data-end="2190"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Control systems (e.g., PID, nonlinear control, model predictive control)</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="e56w9e" data-start="2192" data-end="2331"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Strong foundation in probability and statistics, including appropriate application of distributions (e.g., Gaussian, Poisson, binomial)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1i2tpd8" data-start="2332" data-end="2410"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Working knowledge of autonomy system architectures and system-level design</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="e8chqa" data-start="2412" data-end="2666"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Background in one or more of the following:</span> <ul data-start="2462" data-end="2666"> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="6vz5wh" data-start="2462" data-end="2521"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bayesian inference (e.g., beta and gamma distributions)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="3okz3o" data-start="2524" data-end="2575"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Markov models and probabilistic system modeling</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="109pqy6" data-start="2578" data-end="2632"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Simulation development and validation environments</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="y84anj" data-start="2635" data-end="2666"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">System reliability analysis</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="uyplmp" data-start="2668" data-end="2778"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Exposure to safety-critical standards such as ISO 26262, DO-178, or IEC 61508 (e.g., ASIL-D, DAL A, SIL 4)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1p9qqt4" data-start="2779" data-end="2852"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Experience with safety analysis methodologies (e.g., FTA, FMEA, HARA)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="1esn9xd" data-start="2853" data-end="2928"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Understanding of redundancy strategies and fault-tolerant system design</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="keg4l" data-start="2929" data-end="3027"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Familiarity with SOTIF, UL 4600, and safety case development (e.g., Goal Structuring Notation)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="x9i9dd" data-start="3028" data-end="3079"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Knowledge of real-time, safety-critical systems</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" data-section-id="xys853" data-start="3080" data-end="3178"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Experience contributing to verification and validation (V&amp;V) efforts or full testing campaigns</span></li> </ul> <p class="p2"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>What we offer:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and&nbsp; MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">MetLife Legal Services, Identity &amp; Fraud Protection, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, &amp; Critical Illness Insurance</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policies</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna, Calm through Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health through Cigna, Rula (mental health navigation)&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fidelity 401(k)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)</span></li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p>The pay range listed below reflects the base salary&nbsp;<strong data-stringify-type="bold">in our SF/Silicon Valley location,&nbsp;</strong>across several internal levels. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors including: work location, experience, relevant training, education, skill level and performance during interview. Total compensation at Kodiak includes base pay, equity, bonus and a competitive benefits package</p></div><div class="title">California Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$200,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$245,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><div>&nbsp;</div> <div>At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em>We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](</em><em><a href="https://endorsed.com/local-law-144" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://endorsed.com/local-law-144</a></em><em>). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact </em><em><a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">[email protected]</a></em><em> with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.</em></div> <p>&nbsp;</p></div>