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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.

We are looking for an Autonomy Software Systems Engineer who can derive requirements from first-principles for safe driving behavior for a self-driving vehicle. An ideal candidate will have background developing algorithms commonly used in autonomy or robotics applications in aerospace, automotive, or other domains.  This will be used to support our safety claims about safe perception, motion planning, and control for autonomous robots so that we can ethically and safely deploy autonomous trucks to save lives and transform the freight industry.

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 algorithm.
  • 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:

  • 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 or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process. 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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