Kodiak · 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Planning ML Integration
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $2,350K/yrKodiak Robotics, Inc. is a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future. The Senior Software Engineer will enhance the motion planner by integrating machine learning models and developing new features while ensuring safety and reliability in complex environments.
Autonomous VehiclesLogisticsRoboticsSoftwareTransportation
Responsibilities
Incorporate neural networks into the planning stack, working closely with ML, perception, and systems teams
Evaluate how learned inputs influence planner performance, in simulation and on-road
Architect fallback, hybrid, or arbitration strategies that maintain safety and reliability when learned models are uncertain or degraded
Contribute to the broader planning system by designing and implementing new planning behaviors, search strategies, optimizations, and structural improvements
Write high-quality C++ code that meets real-time constraints and supports safety-critical deployment
Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and cross-team planning to ensure alignment and technical excellence
Qualification
Required
Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C++
Experience integrating ML models or learned components into a real-time system
A strong background in robotics, planning, optimization, and mathematics (MS, PhD, or equivalent experience)
Industry experience in robotics or autonomous driving
Experience working in large-scale or safety-critical systems with strict performance requirements
Experience evaluating or interpreting ML model outputs
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to reason about algorithmic trade-offs and system behavior
Excellent communication skills and comfort working across teams
A desire to collaborate with other teams outside of planning
Preferred
Python proficiency is a plus
Benefits
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
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.)
Company
Kodiak
Endlessly adaptable. Always reliable. Through the endless demands of a world in constant motion, Kodiak helps you get the job done.
Founded in 2018
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Kodiak has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (16)
2024 (5)
2023 (7)
2022 (3)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$494.9MKey Investors
Horizon Technology FinanceAliya Capital PartnersU.S. Department of Defense
2025-12-31Post Ipo Debt· $30M
2025-09-25Post Ipo Equity· $145M
2025-09-25IPO
Leadership Team
Don Burnette
Founder & CEO
Andreas Wendel
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
2026-01-07
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase