Senior Software Engineer, Planning ML Integration
About The Position
Kodiak Robotics, Inc. is a leader in autonomous ground transportation, developing an AI-powered technology stack for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily using its autonomous technology and is a pioneer in driverless semi-truck delivery. Kodiak is also applying its self-driving software for the U.S. Department of Defense. This role focuses on building the next generation of planning capabilities by integrating learned models into autonomous vehicle decision-making, translating neural network outputs to reliable vehicle behaviors, and enhancing the motion planner with machine learning models. The engineer will define interfaces, requirements, and integration strategies to improve decision-making in complex environments. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the planning stack's evolution through new features, algorithm improvements, and architectural strengthening, offering a high-impact opportunity for an engineer passionate about bridging disciplines and advancing autonomy.
Requirements
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Python proficiency is a plus.
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.
Benefits
- 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
- 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.)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
