Performs assembly-level mechanical FEA using ANSYS, evaluates structural and dynamic performance, identifies failure modes, and guides design decisions. Conducts and supervises testing, correlates test data with models, writes procedures, develops test fixtures, supports field root-cause analysis, and manages external testing partners and suppliers. The role requires mechanical engineering expertise in FEA, CAD, structural dynamics, materials science, and data acquisition, with occasional travel for testing.
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.
Kodiak Robotics is developing autonomous vehicles. Our team is highly experienced and comes from the leading technology companies in the space.
We are looking for a mechanical analysis & test engineer (FEA/CAE) to join us and develop autonomous hardware.
In this role, you will:- Perform assembly-level mechanical FEA simulations in ANSYS
- Simulation types include non-linear static and dynamic analyses such as modal, shock, and random vibration
- Identify potential failure modes and provide actionable design guidance
- Create reports of analysis results and present to cross-functional teams
- Conduct or supervise testing and correlate data to FEA models
- Write test procedures for both internal and external use
- Develop custom fixtures for testing and support maintenance of test equipment
- Support root-cause analysis of issues found in the field
- Manage relationships with testing facilities, suppliers, and other external partners
- Travel: Occasional travel required to conduct or supervise testing
- Strong technical background. BS or MS, or equivalent experience, in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of experience analyzing mechanical systems with FEA in the automotive, aerospace or related industry.
- Strong FEA experience with packages such as Ansys and/or SolidWorks with strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, structural dynamics and materials science.
- Bonus Experience: thermal and/or CFD simulation skills
- Strong CAD experience with packages such as SolidWorks, NX, Catia, and/or Creo.
- Experience with data acquisition systems with accelerometers, thermocouples, and strain gauges.
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
$150,000—$185,000 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 [email protected] with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.
Kodiak Robotics Mountain View, California, USA Office
1045 Terra Bella Ave, Mountain View, CA, United States, 94043
Similar Jobs
Other • Utilities
The Client Partner in Enterprise Sales at T-Mobile will develop sales strategies, manage client relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive sales growth.
Top Skills:
Crm SystemsNegotiationSales StrategiesTelecommunications
Machine Learning • Payments • Security • Software • Financial Services
Provides enterprise technology support through phone, ticketing, and potentially chat channels. Troubleshoots hardware, software, network, access, and application issues; manages incidents and escalations; documents resolutions in ServiceNow or similar ITSM tools; analyzes trends and operations data; supports knowledge management, training, process improvement, and automation; and coaches junior analysts while maintaining customer service, security, and confidentiality standards.
Top Skills:
Call Center TechnologiesHardware InfrastructureItsmNetworkingServicenow
Machine Learning • Payments • Security • Software • Financial Services
Leads the design, automation, deployment, monitoring, and security of Azure cloud infrastructure. Builds Infrastructure as Code with Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates; manages CI/CD pipelines through Azure DevOps and GitHub; and implements monitoring, logging, alerting, incident response, patching, and vulnerability management. Collaborates with engineering, development, architecture, security, and incident management teams to improve system reliability, scalability, performance, and cost efficiency.
Top Skills:
Arm TemplatesAzureAzure DevopsAzure MonitorBashBicepCi/CdElastic StackElk StackGithub ActionsGithub EnterpriseInfrastructure As CodeKubernetesPowershellTerraform
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
