Operations Supervisor, Industrial Testing

Kodiak • Lancaster, TX

11d • Onsite

About The Position

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. As an Operations Supervisor, Industrial Testing , you’ll oversee Kodiak’s Safety Driver operations across our West Texas test locations. You’ll ensure testing missions are executed safely, efficiently, and in close coordination with the Lancaster Command Center and Engineering teams. This role is field-based and highly hands-on — requiring strong leadership, operational discipline, and attention to safety. You’ll manage a team of Safety Drivers, ensuring readiness, consistency, and compliance across all test runs. As the on-site authority, you’ll oversee daily execution, vehicle availability, and communication flow between field operations and remote support teams. If you take pride in leading teams, excel in dynamic environments, and value operational excellence and safety above all, this role is for you.

Requirements

• Experience: 3+ years in AV testing, fleet operations, or related automotive environments.
• Demonstrated success in a working-lead or supervisory role within a fast-paced, safety-critical setting.
• Background: Strong understanding of AV systems, testing workflows, and operational safety practices.
• Proven ability to manage shift-based teams while maintaining high productivity and morale.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with autonomous systems, fleet management, and test execution processes.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks and operational risk management principles.
• Strong Communicator: Skilled at maintaining calm, structured communication under pressure.
• Able to convey complex operational details clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership Mindset: Leads with accountability and composure, balancing team oversight with hands-on involvement.
• Drives continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and process discipline across the test organization.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day Safety Driver operations across all West Texas testing sites.
• Manage driver schedules, shift assignments, and on-site coverage in coordination with the Lancaster Command Center.
• Ensure all pre-trip and post-trip inspections, checklists, and safety protocols are executed to standard.
• Maintain communication with the Command Center to align route assignments, schedules, and operational priorities.
• Act as the on-site escalation point for safety or operational issues, coordinating resolutions with Engineering and Ops leadership.
• Monitor and coach driver performance to uphold Kodiak’s safety-first culture and professional standards.
• Track and report shift-level metrics including uptime, readiness, mission completion, and safety compliance.
• Conduct ride-alongs, safety audits, and performance check-ins to reinforce consistent driver execution.
• Identify training gaps or procedural inefficiencies and collaborate with management to drive improvement.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement among the Safety Driver team.
• Participate in staffing processes including interviewing, extending offers, and exit discussions.
• Other duties as assigned.

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
• 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.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees