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 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 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.) 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 $190,000 — $230,000 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

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
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++
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

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

aiawspython

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Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Pto

Parental Leave