Systems V&V Engineer

We are looking for a Systems Verification and Validation (V&V) Engineer with a strong technical background in system-level testing, structured test development, and validation of autonomous vehicle behaviors. This role is critical in ensuring Kodiak’s self-driving vehicles behave as expected in both simulation and on-road environments. The ideal candidate thrives working across software, hardware, operations, and safety teams to develop scalable test coverage to support software releases and safety assurance processes. This role requires someone to be local or willing to relocate to the Bay Area with a willingness to work onsite at our facility in Mountain View, CA. 

In this role, you will:

• Define and implement verification and validation methods across multiple test environments, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and on-road testing. 
• Develop structured test plans and procedures to evaluate system performance and safety for core autonomy features for software releases and key milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scope and execute new tests aligned with feature requirements.
• Develop and refine test workflows to improve efficiency and coverage of critical requirements using a combination of simulation, analysis, and on-road validation.
• Expand the test suite to address edge cases, a wide range of operational conditions, and existing coverage gaps. 
• Analyze test results to identify unexpected behaviors and failures, support root cause triage, and drive resolution.
• Build tools to automate test execution, data extraction, and results reporting, with a focus on repeatability and efficiency.
• Support software release readiness through structured test completion, tracking, failure resolution, and final test documentation and reporting. 

What you’ll bring:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, MechE/EE, System Engineering, Computer Science or a related STEM field. 
• Strong experience in verification and validation, systems integration, and/or autonomy testing for complex systems, preferably for autonomous vehicles. 
• Willingness and ability to travel to test/customer sites up to ~50% of the time, depending on needs for key milestones and sprints. 
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work cross functionally, prioritize multiple projects, and deliver results in a fast paced development environment. 
• Strong hands-on testing experience at a test facility.

A plus if you also bring

• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Experience with developing test metrics and KPIs. Ability to query large databases (e.g. ElasticSearch).
• Experience with requirements and test management tools such as JAMA or similar.
• Experienced in the Systems Engineering V-Model and its application to V&V workflows.
• Knowledge of safety critical development standards (e.g. ISO 26262) and familiarity with SOTIF and UL4600.

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.)