Winter 2027 Intern, Mission Planning

Kodiak; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free catered lunch

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. seeks a Planning Intern to work on mission planning, routing, and fault management algorithms for autonomous trucks in Mountain View, California.

You will gain hands-on experience deploying code on real trucks and collaborating with robotics engineers on cutting-edge AV technology. The role emphasizes strong C++ skills, knowledge of kinematics and linear algebra, and the ability to solve graph search problems.

Qualifications

• Strong C++ programming skills.
• Strong kinematics, linear algebra and calculus.
• Ability to solve basic graph search problems.
• Field(s) of study include Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Receive mentorship from top-level robotics engineers.
• Advance a state-of-the-art autonomous trucking platform.
• Deploy code on autonomous trucks operating in the real world.
• Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and methodologies used in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
• Strengthen coding skills by working with a production-level codebase, focusing on modern C++.
• Work in a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Design and implement solutions to robotics problems.
• Potential opportunities for full-time roles.

Skills

C++ programming

Kinematics

Linear algebra

Calculus

Graph search

Education

CS/EE/ML/AE/ME

Tools

Git

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.

Join Kodiak as a Planning Intern! As an intern on our Mission Planning team, you will work on developing core mission, routing, and fault management algorithms that drive our autonomous trucks. Intern projects may include applying commands from human operations specialists to our fleet of self-driving trucks, improving routing through construction zones, and implementing safety-critical fault management policies. This role offers a hands‑on opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge AV technology while gaining valuable experience in real‑world autonomous driving scenarios.

In this role, you will:

• Receive mentorship from top-level robotics engineers.
• Advance a state-of-the-art autonomous trucking platform.
• Deploy code on autonomous trucks operating in the real world. Gain hands‑on experience with industry‑standard tools and methodologies used in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
• Strengthen your coding skills by working with a production-level codebase, with a focus on modern C++.
• Work in a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Design and implement solutions to complex robotics problems.
• Have potential opportunities for full‑time roles.

What you’ll bring:

• Field(s) of study: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related fields.
• Are currently pursuing a degree at an accredited university.
• Juniors, Seniors, or graduate students.
• Strong C++ programming skills.
• Strong kinematics, linear algebra and calculus.
• Ability to solve basic graph search problems.
• Enthusiasm to solve problems together with other teams, including our offboard, operations, and systems teams.

Internship Program Details:

• Start Date: January 2027
• Our internship program is 12-16 weeks; the end date is flexible based on individual needs.
• Location: Mountain View, CA.
• Housing: Interns are responsible for housing.

What we offer:

• A fast‑paced environment where we work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates.
• Competitive pay.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• A beautiful facility in Mountain View.
• We love our dogs, so we are a dog‑friendly office!
• Free catered lunch.

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: $10,000 USD - $10,000 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.