Engineering Technician
About the role
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 Engineering Technician to join us in building and maintaining our experimental and operations vehicles.
In this role, you will:
- Be a core member on the Engineering team responsible for building high quality prototype and first article builds of autonomous technology
- Generate work instructions, redlines, and manufacturing/service feedback for the engineering team
- Perform incoming quality inspections for contract manufacturing builds
- Organize and manage prototype test setups/fixtures
- Perform testing on mechanical and electrical components and assemblies
- Perform soldering, mechanical assemblies, and subsystem builds
- Manage BOMs and organize lab inventories
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment throughout builds and engineering tests
What you’ll bring:
- 5+ years of experience working in an R&D or development lab environment in close collaboration with engineering staff. Strong hands-on background. Diverse experience in the automotive, aerospace or related industry is a plus.
- Experience with prototype builds, testing and operating test equipment
- Strong electrical diagnostics experience. You know how to chase down any electrical gremlins and correct them. Extensive knowledge of electrical systems, wiring, and all necessary equipment. Able to read schematics, electrical diagrams, harness diagrams, etc.
- Reliability and consistency. You have a track record of meticulous work. You are comfortable developing and practicing methodical service through the use of checklists, protocols, and work documentation.
- Clear communication. You are comfortable providing feedback to engineers, and sharing insights with the team at large to improve products and processes. You know how to collaborate, and when to get secondary inspection and review for safety-critical decisions.
- Innovative mindset. You like to find ways to improve the system you are working on. You can solve problems and complete tasks even when the path to the solution is not clear at the outset.
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
- Accrued PTO, generous parental leave policies, and 10 paid holidays
- 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