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Staff Software Engineer, Embedded

Kodiak Sciences Inc
2 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Mountain View, CA
IT

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 an Embedded Software Engineer with a background in embedded systems who understands how 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 provide 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:

  • Strong technical background. BS or MS, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering
  • 8+ years of software development experience, ideally within the automotive, aerospace or a related industry
  • Extensive programming experience in C++
  • Deep knowledge of embedded programming platforms
  • Good 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

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and  MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
  • MetLife Legal Services, Identity & Fraud Protection, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, 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 through Cigna, Calm through Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health through Cigna, Rula (mental health navigation) 
  • 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
$200,000—$250,000 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.

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