Staff Software Engineer, Simulation

Kodiak Robotics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Kodiak Robotics is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to enhance simulation capabilities for its autonomous systems. The role involves integrating simulation platforms, developing novel testing methods, and working within a collaborative environment. A strong foundation in C++, software quality, and team coordination are essential. Join us to drive innovation in autonomous transportation.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses

Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies

Dog-friendly office

Free catered lunch

Fully stocked kitchen

Free EV charging

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass

Fidelity 401(k)

Various incentive programs

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in Computer Science or related engineering field.
• 5+ years experience writing production-level C++ code.
• Desire to learn about autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Own the integration between simulation platform and autonomy stack.
• Develop new features to improve simulation fidelity.
• Coordinate with external partners to integrate features.

Skills

C++

Software Quality

Collaboration

Education

BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

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 Staff Software Engineer to join us to help design, architect, implement, and maintain our simulation capabilities.

In this role, you will:

• Own the integration between our simulation platform and all critical pieces of our autonomy stack
• Work with our technical leads and subject matter experts to engineer novel ways of testing and evaluating our algorithms, including for edge cases and rare events
• Lead the development of new features to improve the fidelity of our simulation results and implement novel evaluation metrics for measuring the performance of our self-driving stack
• Write maintainable, clear, and concise code
• Coordinate with our external partners to drive new features and integrate them with our internal workflows

Let's chat if you have the following:

• Strong technical background (BS, MS, PhD or equivalent professional experience) in Computer Science or a closely related engineering field
• Excellent software developer with at least 5 years of experience writing production-level C++ code
• 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
• Desire to learn about all aspects of autonomous vehicles

Bonus points if you have:

• Hands-on knowledge of one or more autonomous vehicle simulators
• Knowledge of modern C++ (c++14 and newer) and version control systems (e.g., git)
• Practical experience in one or more fields of robotics: perception, planning, localization, modeling, control, etc.
• An interest in defining autonomy metrics and evaluation strategies
• Experience with modern DevOps

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 salary range for this full-time position is $175,000-$230,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Actual salary ranges will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

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.