About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This is a technical role focused on designing and implementing software for controlling autonomous trucks. You'll work on safety-critical systems, collaborating with various teams to ensure reliable vehicle operation. It's primarily an individual contributor position requiring deep expertise in robotics and control systems.

Good fit

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in robotics, controls, and optimization, likely with an advanced degree. Experience in safety-critical software development and a collaborative working style will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The salary is quite high at $250,000, which may reflect the specialized skills needed. The role involves working on cutting-edge technology in autonomous vehicles, which can be exciting but also comes with high responsibility.

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 an experienced Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical systems to join our Motion Planning & Controls team.

In this role, you will:

Be responsible for designing and implementing our feedback, control, and actuation strategies using both established & novel techniques
Architect, develop, and test reliable, redundant, and safety-critical software that controls fully-loaded trucks driving on the road
Characterize the vehicle platform (e.g., steering, braking, throttle/engine management, dynamics) to develop models that can be used for precise motion planning, simulation, and controls
Work on fundamental problems in redundant actuation, degraded operation, and fail-safe control
Collaborate with other teams at Kodiak (e.g. hardware, motion planning, and systems engineering) to deliver a robust vehicle control architecture (for example: requirement specifications, test plans, test documentation, and implemented testing at all levels of integration)

What you’ll bring:

A strong background in robotics, controls, optimization, and mathematics (MS, PhD, or equivalent experience)
Developed, tested, and tuned controllers for mobile autonomous robots, ideally trucks, cars, or flying vehicles
Performed system identification, modeling, simulation, or other characterization for systems with complex dynamics
A strong theoretical foundation paired with practical experience in controls, system modeling, and/or redundant architectures
A focus on end-to-end vehicle safety
Software development experience writing production-level C or C++

Bonus points if you have:

Experience with software design and implementation in safety-critical domains (e.g. automotive, aerospace, medical, etc)
Written low-level drivers for software/hardware interfacing using protocols such as CAN or ethernet
Written efficient code running on resource-constrained embedded systems with a real-time operating system
Experience with formal verification methods, writing requirements, and systems engineering processes
Comfortable with Python, Matlab/Simulink, or other simulation/analysis tools used in feedback system design

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 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—$250,000 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 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.

Skills & Tags

python go ai mobile data product design

Aplyr's read

Kodiak Robotics is pioneering autonomous vehicle systems for logistics, attracting talent passionate about transforming transportation technology.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Kodiak is at the forefront of autonomous trucking, a rapidly evolving industry with significant growth potential.
•The company offers diverse roles, from AI engineering to fleet management, indicating a broad scope of innovation.
•Strong focus on logistics and transportation positions Kodiak well in a sector ripe for disruption.

What to watch

•Autonomous vehicle technology faces regulatory hurdles that could delay deployment and commercialization.
•High competition in the autonomous driving sector may impact Kodiak's market share.
•Limited public information about Kodiak's financial stability could concern potential applicants.

Why Kodiak Robotics

•Kodiak's specialization in logistics gives it a niche focus within the autonomous vehicle industry.
•The company integrates multimodal AI technologies, setting it apart in technical innovation.
•A dedicated role for defense applications indicates diversification beyond commercial logistics.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?