About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Senior Software Engineer focused on developing onboard infrastructure for autonomous vehicles. You'll be designing and implementing software systems that integrate hardware and sensors, working closely with other engineers. It's an individual contributor role with a strong emphasis on C++ programming and real-time systems.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have several years of experience in software engineering, particularly with embedded systems and C++. A collaborative mindset and a passion for robotics or autonomous technology will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The position offers a high salary of $250,000, reflecting the specialized skills required. The company's focus on both commercial and defense applications of autonomous technology is unique and could provide diverse project opportunities.

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 Software Engineer with a focus on Onboard Infrastructure and Drivers to join us and take a key role in designing and implementing our core software infrastructure. You will work across multiple domains to bring together our embedded devices, AI, computing hardware, and sensors to create a highly reliable and performant system. This role will give you the opportunity to test and deploy complex robots for real customers.

In this role, you will:

Collaborate with engineers across multiple domains to build the Kodiak real-time operating system that empowers our robots.
Design and implement our core infrastructure and libraries using modern C++
Build highly reliable and highly performant compute and network systems
Work closely with next generation LIDARs, cameras, radars, and other sensors.
Gather metrics, analyze, and optimize the operation of Kodiak autonomous systems

Qualifications:

Robust technical background. BS, MS, or equivalent, in Computer Science or similar with 5+ years of experience building software infrastructure in an environment with significant scale and performance.
Experience reading and writing modern C++ code.
Familiarity with using Linux to build complex software.

Nice to have:

Understanding of network protocols such as TCP, UDP, and PTP.
Experience working with sensors like lidars, cameras and radars.
Familiarity with high throughput storage and database systems.
Knowledge of tools used for performance optimization like perf, trace tools, and memory profilers.
Experience using Bazel for large and cross platform projects.
A background in operating systems or build systems.

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

$150,000—$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

go ai data 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?