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 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.
Were building the next generation of planning capabilities by integrating learned models into autonomous vehicle decision-making. Youll translate neural network outputs to reliable vehicle this role you will enhance our motion planner by incorporating machine learning models. You will define the interfaces requirements and integration strategies necessary to meaningfully improve decision-making in complex real-world environments.
In addition to this effort you will contribute broadly to the evolution of our planning stack by developing new features improving core algorithms and strengthening the overall architecture. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who enjoys bridging disciplines shaping emerging capabilities and advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through thoughtful rigorous engineering.
What youll do:
- Incorporate neural networks into the planning stack working closely with ML perception and systems teams.
- Evaluate how learned inputs influence planner performance in simulation and on-road.
- Architect fallback hybrid or arbitration strategies that maintain safety and reliability when learned models are uncertain or degraded.
- Contribute to the broader planning system by designing and implementing new planning behaviors search strategies optimizations and structural improvements.
- Write high-quality C code that meets real-time constraints and supports safety-critical deployment.
- Participate in code reviews design discussions and cross-team planning to ensure alignment and technical excellence.
What youll bring:
- Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C. Python proficiency is a plus.
- Experience integrating ML models or learned components into a real-time system.
- A strong background in robotics planning optimization and mathematics (MS PhD or equivalent experience).
- Industry experience in robotics or autonomous driving.
- Experience working in large-scale or safety-critical systems with strict performance requirements.
- Experience evaluating or interpreting ML model outputs.
- Strong analytical skills including the ability to reason about algorithmic trade-offs and system behavior.
- Excellent communication skills and comfort working across teams.
- A desire to collaborate with other teams outside of planning.
What we offer:
- Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses
- Excellent Medical Dental and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente Cigna and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
- MetLife Legal Services Identity & Fraud Protection Hospital Indemnity Insurance Accident Insurance & Critical Illness Insurance
- Flexible PTO 10 paid holidays and generous parental leave policies
- Our office is centrally located in Mountain View CA
- Office perks: dog-friendly free catered lunch a fully stocked kitchen and free EV charging
- Long Term Disability Short Term Disability Life Insurance
- Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna Calm through Kaiser One Medical Gympass Spring Health through Cigna Rula (mental health navigation)
- Fidelity 401(k)
- Commuter FSA Dependent Care FSA HSA
- Various incentive programs (referral bonuses patent bonuses etc.)
The pay range listed below reflects the base salaryin our SF/Silicon Valley locationacross 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
California Pay Range
$200000 - $260000 USD
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.
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 candidates residence U.S. person status and/or citizenship status. Should the position require and Kodiak determines that a candidates 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 Kodiaks sole discretion or as an alternative opt not to proceed with the candidates application. If applicable Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
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....
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 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.
Were building the next generation of planning capabilities by integrating learned models into autonomous vehicle decision-making. Youll translate neural network outputs to reliable vehicle this role you will enhance our motion planner by incorporating machine learning models. You will define the interfaces requirements and integration strategies necessary to meaningfully improve decision-making in complex real-world environments.
In addition to this effort you will contribute broadly to the evolution of our planning stack by developing new features improving core algorithms and strengthening the overall architecture. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who enjoys bridging disciplines shaping emerging capabilities and advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through thoughtful rigorous engineering.
What youll do:
- Incorporate neural networks into the planning stack working closely with ML perception and systems teams.
- Evaluate how learned inputs influence planner performance in simulation and on-road.
- Architect fallback hybrid or arbitration strategies that maintain safety and reliability when learned models are uncertain or degraded.
- Contribute to the broader planning system by designing and implementing new planning behaviors search strategies optimizations and structural improvements.
- Write high-quality C code that meets real-time constraints and supports safety-critical deployment.
- Participate in code reviews design discussions and cross-team planning to ensure alignment and technical excellence.
What youll bring:
- Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C. Python proficiency is a plus.
- Experience integrating ML models or learned components into a real-time system.
- A strong background in robotics planning optimization and mathematics (MS PhD or equivalent experience).
- Industry experience in robotics or autonomous driving.
- Experience working in large-scale or safety-critical systems with strict performance requirements.
- Experience evaluating or interpreting ML model outputs.
- Strong analytical skills including the ability to reason about algorithmic trade-offs and system behavior.
- Excellent communication skills and comfort working across teams.
- A desire to collaborate with other teams outside of planning.
What we offer:
- Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses
- Excellent Medical Dental and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente Cigna and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
- MetLife Legal Services Identity & Fraud Protection Hospital Indemnity Insurance Accident Insurance & Critical Illness Insurance
- Flexible PTO 10 paid holidays and generous parental leave policies
- Our office is centrally located in Mountain View CA
- Office perks: dog-friendly free catered lunch a fully stocked kitchen and free EV charging
- Long Term Disability Short Term Disability Life Insurance
- Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna Calm through Kaiser One Medical Gympass Spring Health through Cigna Rula (mental health navigation)
- Fidelity 401(k)
- Commuter FSA Dependent Care FSA HSA
- Various incentive programs (referral bonuses patent bonuses etc.)
The pay range listed below reflects the base salaryin our SF/Silicon Valley locationacross 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
California Pay Range
$200000 - $260000 USD
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.
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 candidates residence U.S. person status and/or citizenship status. Should the position require and Kodiak determines that a candidates 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 Kodiaks sole discretion or as an alternative opt not to proceed with the candidates application. If applicable Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
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Monthly Salary:
$ 200000 - 260000
Posted on:
20 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
