The role involves designing and implementing software infrastructure for autonomous systems, collaborating across domains, and optimizing performance metrics.
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 a Software Engineer with a focus on Onboard Infrastructure and Drivers to join us and take a key role in designing and implementing our core software infrastructure. You will work across multiple domains to bring together our embedded devices, AI, computing hardware, and sensors to create a highly reliable and performant system. This role will give you the opportunity to test and deploy complex robots for real customers.
In this role, you will:
- Collaborate with engineers across multiple domains to build the Kodiak real-time operating system that empowers our robots.
- Design and implement our core infrastructure and libraries using modern C++
- Build highly reliable and highly performant compute and network systems
- Work closely with next generation LIDARs, cameras, radars, and other sensors.
- Gather metrics, analyze, and optimize the operation of Kodiak autonomous systems
Qualifications:
- Robust technical background. BS, MS, or equivalent, in Computer Science or similar with 5+ years of experience building software infrastructure in an environment with significant scale and performance.
- Experience reading and writing modern C++ code.
- Familiarity with using Linux to build complex software.
Nice to have:
- Understanding of network protocols such as TCP, UDP, and PTP.
- Experience working with sensors like lidars, cameras and radars.
- Familiarity with high throughput storage and database systems.
- Knowledge of tools used for performance optimization like perf, trace tools, and memory profilers.
- Experience using Bazel for large and cross platform projects.
- A background in operating systems or build systems.
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
$150,000—$220,000 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
Artificial Intelligence • Automotive • Information Technology • Robotics
Build and optimize Nuro's onboard software platform, device drivers, and performance tooling. Integrate and validate hardware and software, profile and tune latency/resource usage, and collaborate with autonomy, hardware, and safety teams to ensure reliable, high-performance vehicle behavior.
Top Skills:
ArmC++Device DriversDevice Runtime ApisEbpfFpgaGpuInter-Device ProtocolsNvidia Nsight ComputeNvidia Nsight SystemsPerfPerfettoPprofPythonX86
Automotive
As an Onboard Infrastructure Software Engineer, you will drive architectural improvements, implement C++ APIs, enhance tools, and guide teams for efficient deployment and system reliability.
Top Skills:
C++
.png)
Artificial Intelligence • Healthtech • Information Technology • Logistics
The Head of Growth Marketing will drive pipeline growth, execute demand generation campaigns, and establish brand positioning in home healthcare technology.
Top Skills:
Google AnalyticsHubspotLinkedin Ads
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
