Senior Embedded Systems Software Engineer

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're looking for a Software Engineer focused on onboard vehicle systems to take a key role in designing and implementing our core vehicle integrations. You'll work across domains to bring together embedded devices, AI, and compute hardware into a highly reliable system, and you'll test and deploy autonomous trucks for real customers. In this role, you will: Own the integration between autonomy hardware and vehicle platforms for new productsWork across domains to test vehicle actuation systems, be the first to make a new vehicle moveCollaborate with experts across the company to build the Kodiak real-time operating system that powers our trucksDesign and implement core infrastructure and libraries in modern C++Build highly reliable compute and network systemsGather metrics to analyze and optimize the performance of Kodiak's autonomous systems Qualifications: BS or MS in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience5+ years building software connected to hardwareProficiency in modern C++Experience with automotive communication protocols such as CANComfort developing and debugging complex software on Linux Nice to have: Knowledge of control systems and how to evaluate them for safety and performanceExperience with Bazel on large, cross-platform projectsExperience building on bare-metal or RTOS platformsFamiliarity with functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 What we offer: Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonusesExcellent 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 InsuranceFlexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policiesOur office is centrally located in Mountain View, CAOffice perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV chargingLong Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life InsuranceWellbeing 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, HSAVarious 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: $155,000 USD - $215,000 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.