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.
We are looking for a Sensor Hardware Engineer to join us and help develop world-class sensor systems for autonomous trucking. This role will focus on optimizing the perception sensor architecture and data pipeline via test, analysis, and cooperation with suppliers.
In This Role You Will:
Collaborate with external partners to choose and optimize performance of autonomous driving sensors such as lidar, radar, camera, and ultrasonicsAnalyze on-road data to understand trends in sensor performance and prioritize efforts to optimize and debugDevelop and execute hands-on sensor tests to help define vehicle architecture and improve perception performanceDevelop sensor field of view requirements and test new vehicle platforms against those requirementsResearch and evaluate the latest in autonomous-driving sensor technologyAssist with sensor integration onto the vehicle and debug issues that ariseManage relationships with contract manufacturers, suppliers, and external partnersWork with the perception team to identify, understand, and solve sensor performance issuesTravel (<15%) to field locations to support testing in the operational design domainWhat you'll Bring:Strong technical background. BS or MS, or equivalent experience, in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related fields with 5 years of experience in the automotive, aerospace or related industryExperience with defining autonomous-driving sensing systems or diving deep into one of the sensing modalitiesSoftware experience (especially for data analysis) is a plus but not requiredA team leader. Whether formally or informally, you have previously played the lead role on several projects. You take ownership and drive the team to deliver exceptional resultsProven ability to build and iterate quicklyYou have experienced product development in all of its stages and are comfortable in the earlier stages – moving from zero to oneHands on. You are just as comfortable with a wrench as a keyboardYou have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes for both low and high volume productionGreat communicator. You have experience writing clear, concise, and detailed documentationYou are skilled in leading and participating in cross-functional design reviewsWhat We Offer:Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonusesExcellent 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 InsuranceFlexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policiesOur office is centrally located in Mountain View, CAOffice perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV chargingLong Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life InsuranceWellbeing 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, HSAVarious incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, 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
California Pay Range$165,000—$220,000 USDAt 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 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.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](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). 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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line. Read LessKodiak 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.
We are looking for a Sensor Hardware Engineer to join us and help develop world-class sensor systems for autonomous trucking. This role will focus on optimizing the perception sensor architecture and data pipeline via test, analysis, and cooperation with suppliers.
In This Role You Will:
Collaborate with external partners to choose and optimize performance of autonomous driving sensors such as lidar, radar, camera, and ultrasonicsAnalyze on-road data to understand trends in sensor performance and prioritize efforts to optimize and debugDevelop and execute hands-on sensor tests to help define vehicle architecture and improve perception performanceDevelop sensor field of view requirements and test new vehicle platforms against those requirementsResearch and evaluate the latest in autonomous-driving sensor technologyAssist with sensor integration onto the vehicle and debug issues that ariseManage relationships with contract manufacturers, suppliers, and external partnersWork with the perception team to identify, understand, and solve sensor performance issuesTravel (<15%) to field locations to support testing in the operational design domainWhat you'll Bring:Strong technical background. BS or MS, or equivalent experience, in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related fields with 5 years of experience in the automotive, aerospace or related industryExperience with defining autonomous-driving sensing systems or diving deep into one of the sensing modalitiesSoftware experience (especially for data analysis) is a plus but not requiredA team leader. Whether formally or informally, you have previously played the lead role on several projects. You take ownership and drive the team to deliver exceptional resultsProven ability to build and iterate quicklyYou have experienced product development in all of its stages and are comfortable in the earlier stages – moving from zero to oneHands on. You are just as comfortable with a wrench as a keyboardYou have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes for both low and high volume productionGreat communicator. You have experience writing clear, concise, and detailed documentationYou are skilled in leading and participating in cross-functional design reviewsWhat We Offer:Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonusesExcellent 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 InsuranceFlexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policiesOur office is centrally located in Mountain View, CAOffice perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV chargingLong Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life InsuranceWellbeing 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, HSAVarious incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, 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
California Pay Range$165,000—$220,000 USDAt 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 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.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](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). 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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line. Read LessKodiak 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.
We are looking for an Autonomy Software Systems Engineer who can derive requirements from first principles for safe and mission-critical autonomous behavior across both commercial and defense applications. An ideal candidate will have a background in developing algorithms for autonomy or robotics in aerospace, defense, or automotive domains. This will be used to support our safety claims about safe perception, motion planning, and control for autonomous robots deployed in both commercial freight and defense logistics environments.
In this role, you will:
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.Identify edge cases that could help us expose weaknesses in our system prior to encountering them in on-road environments.Provide analysis to support complex autonomy system design trade-offs to inform system design decisions affecting safety and performance.Support development of simulation scenarios, structured track testing, on-road road testing, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.What you'll bring:
Deep understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and system modelingStrong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or CHands-on work across multiple of the following areas:Sensor fusion and object tracking (e.g., Kalman filtering, particle filters, least squares estimation)Machine learning methods (e.g., neural networks, SVMs, kNN, regression models, decision trees)Classical computer vision (e.g., edge/corner detection, camera calibration, optics)Motion planning (e.g., A*, RRT, potential fields)Control systems (e.g., PID, nonlinear control, model predictive control)Strong foundation in probability and statistics, including appropriate application of distributions (e.g., Gaussian, Poisson, binomial)Working knowledge of autonomy system architectures and system-level designBackground in one or more of the following:Bayesian inference (e.g., beta and gamma distributions)Markov models and probabilistic system modelingSimulation development and validation environmentsSystem reliability analysisExposure to safety-critical standards such as ISO 26262, DO-178, or IEC 61508 (e.g., ASIL-D, DAL A, SIL 4)Experience with safety analysis methodologies (e.g., FTA, FMEA, HARA)Understanding of redundancy strategies and fault-tolerant system designFamiliarity with SOTIF, UL 4600, and safety case development (e.g., Goal Structuring Notation)Knowledge of real-time, safety-critical systemsExperience contributing to verification and validation (V&V) efforts or full testing campaignsMust be US person due to the defense nature of this workWhat we offer:
Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonusesExcellent 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 InsuranceFlexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policiesOur office is centrally located in Mountain View, CAOffice perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV chargingLong Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life InsuranceWellbeing 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, HSAVarious incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, 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
California Pay Range$200,000—$245,000 USDAt 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 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.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](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). 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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line. Read LessKodiak 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.
We are looking for a Functional Safety Hardware Engineer to join us and drive the development and management of our autonomous vehicle safety cases as we bring the Kodiak Autonomy System to market. We first published our Safety Report in 2019 and have based our development on systems engineering, the ISO26262 process and SOTIF principles.
In this role, you will:
Perform hardware safety analyses (e.g. dependent failure modes and effects analysis (DFMEAs) to comply with ISO 26262. Hardware to be analyzed includes primarily electrical and embedded components as well as systems with supplier-designed components. Perform fault tree analysis (FTAs) and assess reliability.Participate in developing technical safety requirements to be used in the Kodiak Autonomy System in various approved Operational Design Domains. Allocate technical safety requirements to the hardware components.Participate in hardware safety unit design and implementation.Develop test plans, test procedures, verification reports at the hardware unit and hardware integration levels. Support system level testing from a hardware safety perspective.Support hardware-software interface development and derive safety measures.Support supplier management activities.Collaborate with Kodiak internal and external stakeholders to review and assess work products for compliance with ISO 26262.10% travel to test sites possibleWhat you'll bring:
Bachelor's degree or higher in hardware, electrical, mechanical or other related engineering and/or a Bachelor's degree with professional experience in a high tech environmentExperience with Part 4, 5, 8 and 9 of ISO 26262. Special emphasis on implementation of Part 5 for autonomous vehicles Experience with developing work products for safety critical systems, especially DFMEAs for electrical and embedded components. Experience with system and hardware level verification and validation of autonomous vehiclesExperience with functional safety standards such as ISO26262, SOTIF, and UL4600.Good communication skills with a collaborative approachAbility to structure project tasks and drive evidence development among teamsKnowledge of hardware configuration management and hardware quality assuranceWhat we offer:
Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonusesExcellent 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 InsuranceFlexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policiesOur office is centrally located in Mountain View, CAOffice perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV chargingLong Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life InsuranceWellbeing 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, HSAVarious incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, 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
California Pay Range$130,000—$190,000 USDAt 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 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.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](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). 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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line. Read Less