Software Engineer, Embedded

Kodiak

CA$150,000 - CA$210,000 / year

San Francisco Bay AreaFull-timeOn-siteIntermediate

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Description

Kodiak AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KDK), founded in 2018, is a leader in Physical AI, developing driverless technology that powers machines that move. Its Kodiak Driver is a vehicle-agnostic autonomous driving system that combines AI-powered software with modular hardware. Today it operates in long-haul trucking, industrial trucking, and defense. In 2024, Kodiak launched commercial Driver-as-a-Service operations with no one in the cab, and plans to launch driverless long-haul service between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2026.

Kodiak has partnered with many of the biggest names in freight, including Bosch for scaled hardware production, AWS, and leading customers including Atlas Energy Solutions, IKEA, Bridgestone, Werner Enterprises, C.R. England, Roehl Transport, and General Dynamics Land Systems.

We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer with a background in embedded systems who is passionate to ship mission critical software. The role will collaborate across hardware and software teams to design the low level devices that interface with our truck systems, ensure reliable operations of large robots, and develop cutting edge functionality to real customers. The role will bring the best of modern software engineering to ensure a high level of safety and performance.

In this role, you will:

Collaborate with hardware EE on design and test of high reliable hardware systems
Collaborate with software engineering on architecture, optimizations and reviews
Contribute to hardware specifications to ensure test coverage and fault detection
Participate in hands-on hardware bring-up in the engineering lab using analyzers and probes
Debug common truck functions on the vehicles (Driver interfaces, Braking, Steering)
Develop software for embedded platforms (x86, ARM) in C/C++
Develop software for sensors. Evaluation and production (Camera, Radar, Lidar, IMU)
Develop software for network devices, time synchronization experience a plus

What you’ll bring:

2+ years of software development experience, ideally within the automotive, aerospace or a related industry
Programming experience in C++
Knowledge of embedded programming platforms
Understanding of networking fundamentals
Experience with implementation and on-vehicle debugging of low level hardware buses such as I2C, CAN, SPI, and UART
Experience with high speed hardware communication such as PCIe and Automotive Ethernet
Hands on. You are just as comfortable getting your hands dirty analyzing a subsystem in the shop as when using a keyboard.
Great communicator. You have experience writing clear, concise, and detailed documentation
Passion. You are passionate about autonomous vehicles and their potential impact on humanity
BS or MS, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

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 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—$210,000 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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.

Benefits

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.)

About this role

Kodiak is shipping autonomous trucks to real customers and the Department of Defense, and they need an embedded software engineer to help make that happen reliably. You'd work on the low-level systems that keep these vehicles operating safely—developing firmware for sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar; debugging hardware buses and network communication on actual trucks; and collaborating closely with both hardware engineers and the broader software team to catch problems before they reach the road.

The role demands hands-on comfort with embedded platforms (x86 and ARM), solid C++ skills, and practical experience with automotive or aerospace-grade hardware communication protocols like CAN, I2C, and Ethernet. You should be equally at home in the lab with an analyzer as you are writing clear documentation. At least two years of relevant software development experience is expected, ideally in automotive or aerospace, along with a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent.

Kodiak offers competitive base pay ($150K–$210K depending on experience and location), equity, biannual bonuses, strong health benefits including infertility coverage, flexible PTO, and parental leave. The in-office position is in San Francisco (though the job mentions Mountain View as the office location), with perks like free lunch, EV charging, and a dog-friendly environment. This is a mission-critical role at a company with real traction in autonomous vehicles—suitable for someone who wants to work on systems where reliability directly matters.

How this employer is doing

solid

Financial News
Expanding

In the news

Daher Kodiak 900 Expands into Europe, Aviation International News

This role's local market on JobMinglr

820 open jobs in San Francisco

Pay for this role

$150,000 to $210,000 per year

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