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Autonomy Software Systems Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area

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.

If you thrive on solving the hardest autonomy problems, we want you.  This technically demanding role demands deep systems expertise, understanding of autonomy, mathematical rigor, and first-principles thinking to ensure safety in autonomous driving. You will own critical elements of our overall safety strategy to deliver safe, transformative autonomous trucking systems.

The Systems Safety team is charged with an incredibly challenging task: how to make and prove that an autonomous truck is incredibly safe (<1 fatal collision per 108 hours)?  There is no textbook for this sort of problem.  You will be part of a small, high-impact team working to solve one of the most difficult problems in autonomous driving.  You will be operating at the frontier of safety, working with talented teammates to leverage existing methods and to pioneer new methods when needed.

Each teammate is charged with owning a significant part of the overall safety story, whether it’s functional safety, probabilistic risk assessment, reliability engineering, building and running hardware-in-the-loop test rigs, defining and leading our structured testing campaigns, updating our safety case and documentation, and much more.  

This role offers the opportunities for creating unparalleled impacts, overcoming career-defining technical challenges, and significant professional and technical growth.

What You'll Do:

  • Write Python code to estimate risk using Bayesian probabilistic models in our Probabilistic Risk Assessment.
  • Write C++ code to efficiently search for failure modes in insanely high-dimensional search spaces.
  • Run simulations and perform analysis to generate risk-informed results that shape engineering priorities at the company.
  • Pioneer new methods for practically achieving incredibly high safety levels in autonomous vehicles.
  • Perform hazard analysis, risk assessments, and fault tree analysis.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate safety throughout development.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive validation strategies.
  • Drive continuous improvement in safety processes and tools.

What you’ll bring:

  • Strong grasp of kinematics, dynamics, and modeling.
  • Proficiency in Python, Matlab, C++, or C.
  • Strong experience (you should have implemented or be able to explain) in multiple of these domains: Sensor Fusion and Object Tracking (e.g. Kalman filtering, particle filters, least squares estimation), Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms (Neural Networks, SVMs, kNN, linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, etc.), Classical Computer Vision (e.g. edge detection, corner detection, extrinsic calibration, intrinsic calibration, optics), Motion Planning Algorithms, (e.g. A*, potential fields, RRT), Control algorithms (e.g. PID, non-linear phase-plane controllers, model predictive control)
  • Strong grasp of probability and statistics.
  • Familiarity with autonomy systems architectures
  • Experienced in Systems Engineering V-Model
  • Familiar with SOTIF & UL4600
  • Experience with any of ISO 26262, DO 178, IEC 61508 standards, particularly on the highest level of criticality (e.g. ASIL-D, DAL A, SIL 4).
  • Experience performing safety analysis, such Fault Trees Analysis (FTA), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA)

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
  • Flexible PTO 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, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
  • Fidelity 401(k)
  • Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
  • Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

 

Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

California Pay Range

$180,000 - $235,000 USD

Actual salary ranges will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
 
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.

 

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