Job description

Kodiak AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KDK), founded in 2018, is a leader in Physical AI, developing driverless technology that powers machines that move. Its Kodiak Driver is a vehicle-agnostic autonomous driving system that combines AI-powered software with modular hardware. Today it operates in long-haul trucking, industrial trucking, and defense. In 2024, Kodiak launched commercial Driver-as-a-Service operations with no one in the cab, and plans to launch driverless long-haul service between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2026. Kodiak has partnered with many of the biggest names in freight, including Bosch for scaled hardware production, AWS, and leading customers including Atlas Energy Solutions, IKEA, Bridgestone, Werner Enterprises, C.R. England, Roehl Transport, and General Dynamics Land Systems. We are looking for a Software Quality Triage Specialist to join our rapidly growing Software Quality team. In this role, you will: Learn to know the Kodiak Driver better than almost anyone else Study and assess performance results of our autonomous trucks Perform deep root cause analysis efficiently with high quality and minimal oversight Identify and categorize failure modes of our system, file bugs, and track them through to resolution Generate reports of overall performance to share with the team Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to improve workflows and processes Perform quality assurance on 2D/3D labels to train and improve our algorithms What you’ll bring: 3+ years of experience in triage and deep root cause analysis within the robotics or autonomous vehicle industry Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field Experience beyond high level bucketing Hands-on experience analyzing vehicle logs across perception, planning, localization, controls and other system-level behaviors Very solid understanding of AV sensors (e.g., cameras, lidar, radar) and how sensor performance impacts perception and planning Experience using simulation as part of the triage process to evaluate safety-related behaviors Proven ability to investigate complex issues and drive them to root cause Critical thinker with strong analytical and root cause analysis skills Ability to quickly learn, adapt, and apply new concepts, tools, and workflows Naturally curious, with the diligence to investigate unexpected behaviors and understand why they occur Strong communication skills, including experience writing clear, concise, and thorough technical documentation Passion for autonomous technology and for improving safety and efficiency through triage and simulation 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 $120,000 — $135,000 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]( endorsed.com ). 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.

Requirements

Must-haves

Learn to know the Kodiak Driver better than almost anyone else
Study and assess performance results of our autonomous trucks
Perform deep root cause analysis efficiently with high quality and minimal oversight
Identify and categorize failure modes of our system, file bugs, and track them through to resolution
Generate reports of overall performance to share with the team
Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to improve workflows and processes
Perform quality assurance on 2D/3D labels to train and improve our algorithms
3+ years of experience in triage and deep root cause analysis within the robotics or autonomous vehicle industry
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
Experience beyond high level bucketing
Hands-on experience analyzing vehicle logs across perception, planning, localization, controls and other system-level behaviors
Very solid understanding of AV sensors (e.g., cameras, lidar, radar) and how sensor performance impacts perception and planning
Experience using simulation as part of the triage process to evaluate safety-related behaviors
Proven ability to investigate complex issues and drive them to root cause
Critical thinker with strong analytical and root cause analysis skills
Ability to quickly learn, adapt, and apply new concepts, tools, and workflows
Naturally curious, with the diligence to investigate unexpected behaviors and understand why they occur
Strong communication skills, including experience writing clear, concise, and thorough technical documentation
Passion for autonomous technology and for improving safety and efficiency through triage and simulation

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

aiaws

Platform: greenhouse
Effort: quick

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Pto

Parental Leave