Software Engineer, Behavior & Motion Planning

Software Engineer, Behavior & Motion Planning

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.

Overview: We are looking for an experienced Software Engineer to join our Planning team and take a key role in improving the Kodiak Driver’s ability to safely and gracefully handle challenging road conditions.

• Design and implement new approaches to help our trucks plan through challenging situations.
• Translate desired driving behaviors into algorithms, code, and cost functions that make the Kodiak Driver a safe, smooth, and polite road participant.
• Predict the behavior of other actors in a way that is both accurate and improves driving performance.
• Improve the end-to-end latency of the motion planning and prediction algorithms.
• Build tools that enable us to leverage real-world logs to improve our algorithms.
• Work closely with other teams to establish interfaces and requirements.
• Invent cross-functional solutions to cutting-edge problems in autonomous-driving.

• A strong background in robotics, planning, optimization, and mathematics (MS, PhD, or equivalent experience).
• High standards for software quality and rigor, and a testing-oriented mentality.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative bent.
• Proven ability to iterate quickly and work hands-on.

• Written software that has run on real robots.
• Knowledge of modern C++ (C++14 and newer) and version control systems (e.g., git).
• An understanding of both classic and state-of-the-art approaches to motion planning, trajectory optimization, optimal control, system modeling, etc.
• A desire to collaborate with other teams outside of planning.

• 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.
• Fidelity 401(k).
• Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA.

Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. The compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Salary range: $150,000 - $220,000 USD.

Kodiak is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a diverse community in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment is strictly prohibited. We adhere to applicable laws and may require verification of residence, U.S. person status, or citizenship status as needed for certain roles. Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates.