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're looking for an experienced Vehicle Integration Technician to join our Engineering team. This role builds, maintains, and troubleshoots the mechanical, electrical, and software systems on our autonomous vehicle fleet — and works directly with engineers to turn what you find into better documentation, better builds, and better fleet uptime. You'll need strong technical instincts under the hood and the discipline to document what you did and why, clearly enough that someone else can act on it.

In this role, you will:

Build, maintain, and upfit first article builds of autonomous technology as a core member of the Engineering team
Do hands-on troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, and root-cause work across mechanical, electrical, and software systems seen across the fleet
Maintain, repair, and upfit systems to improve fleetwide uptime
Perform testing on mechanical and electrical components and assemblies
Generate and review work instructions, redlines, and manufacturing/service feedback for the engineering team
Inspect hardware quality at various levels and provide feedback to resolve manufacturing/build issues
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment
Onsite. Occasional travel required (fleet locations, partner sites, or field support as needed — expected to be infrequent, not a regular part of the role

What you'll bring:

Strong hands-on diagnostic and repair experience across mechanical and electrical systems, gained in any relevant setting: fleet maintenance, automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, or prototype/development environments. What matters is depth of hands-on troubleshooting experience, not which industry it came from.
Experience with prototype, first-article, or low-volume builds, and with operating test equipment
Strong electrical diagnostics skills: able to chase down intermittent or hard-to-find electrical faults, and to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness diagrams
Aptitude for creating and using various forms of documentation to thoroughly communicate topics to different audiences within the engineering structure. Topics can range from safety-critical issues, work instructions, direct engineering feedback.

Physical & environmental requirements:

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted
Ability to stand, kneel, bend, and work in confined spaces or awkward positions for extended periods
Comfortable working in and around vehicles, including near moving parts, elevated platforms, and high-voltage or high-energy systems, following all required safety protocols and PPE
Ability to work in a shop/garage/field environment with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures
Willingness to travel occasionally to fleet, partner, or field sites as needed

What we offer:

Competitive compensation package including equity and bonuses
Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
Accrued PTO, generous parental leave policies, and 10 paid holidays
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.)

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 [email protected] with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.

About the company

Kodiak Robotics builds and sells autonomous driving technology for trucks and other vehicle platforms. Its core product, the kodiakDriver, enables self-driving trucking for commercial fleets, aiming to increase capacity, efficiency, and vehicle utilization. The system uses autonomous software and hardware to operate vehicles without a human driver, and Kodiak also runs a Partner Deployment Program to help partners plan future driverless deployments. Unlike many pure-play commercial AV firms, Kodiak targets a dual-use market by serving both commercial fleets and military ground operations, generating revenue from autonomous-vehicle sales and from its deployment-support services. The company’s goal is to enable reliable driverless trucking for commercial logistics while advancing autonomous capability for national security and defense operations.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Mountain View, California

Founded

2018

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Kodiak and IKEA plan Texas driverless public-road operations later in 2026.
California DMV testing and PrePass integration remove major deployment barriers in 2026.
Q2 2026 revenue rose 91% to $3.5 million, showing accelerating commercialization.

What critics are saying

Aurora’s 200-truck 2026 push and $1.2 billion cash dwarf Kodiak’s resources.
Kodiak still burns about $37 million quarterly, forcing another dilutive raise by 2027.
Fortune v. Kodiak Robotics Inc. filed September 2026 signals employment-discrimination litigation risk.

What makes Kodiak Robotics unique

Kodiak AI went public in September 2025, unlike most private autonomous-trucking rivals.
Atlas Energy runs Kodiak driverless customer-owned trucks commercially in the Permian Basin.
Kodiak’s retrofit, vehicle-agnostic stack targets industrial trucking and defense, not only OEM programs.

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Benefits

Remote-friendly work environment
401k
Generous PTO policy
Life insurance
Medical, dental, vision, & FSA plans
Family-friendly company events
Dog-friendly office
Employee-driven fitness classes
Free EV charging
Trivia & board game nights

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

-1%

TechCrunch

Oct 11th, 2026

Self-driving trucks get federal green light to swap warning triangles for cab beacons

Self-driving truck companies Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI won a federal exemption that removes a major barrier to commercial operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will let them replace reflective warning triangles with cab-mounted warning beacons. Federal rules require a truck driver to place triangles on the road within 10 minutes of pulling over. Driverless trucks have no one to do that. Aurora had taken the issue to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals after a court denied its request for an exemption. Aurora's Gerardo Interiano called the beacons a "critical, 21st-century solution" that avoids putting a person in harm's way. Kodiak AI's Daniel Goff said the decision will help usher in "an autonomous era of freight movement on U.S. roads.

MGN

Oct 9th, 2026

(C) 2026 maritime global network. Freight industry briefing: Autonomous Trucking advances on US-Mexico corridor as Red Dye Diesel order takes effect. By MGN Editorial - October 9, 2026 at 06:00 PM Kodiak AI and Charger Logistics expand driverless freight operations on the Dallas-Laredo corridor, while a new executive order permitting over-the-road use of red dye diesel leaves industry stakeholders seeking clarity on implementation details. ## Autonomous Trucking Gains Ground on Cross-Border Freight Lane Kodiak AI and cross-border carrier Charger Logistics have launched a commercial autonomous trucking operation on the Dallas-to-Laredo, Texas corridor, marking a significant step forward in the deployment of driverless freight technology on a key US-Mexico trade route, according to FreightWaves. The partnership is currently hauling consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food and beverage freight along the lane, with safety drivers present during the initial phase. Fully driverless operations are planned once the companies satisfy their safety case requirements - a structured process of demonstrating that autonomous systems meet defined performance and risk thresholds before human oversight is removed. The Laredo corridor is one of the most strategically important freight arteries in North America, serving as the primary land crossing for US-Mexico trade. Laredo consistently ranks as the busiest inland port in the United States by trade value, making it a logical proving ground for autonomous long-haul technology. Successful deployment here could accelerate broader adoption of driverless trucking across cross-border supply chains, with implications for port drayage and intermodal logistics operations. For the maritime and port sector, developments in autonomous over-the-road freight are closely watched, as drayage efficiency at port gates and inland container movements remain critical bottlenecks in cargo throughput. - ## Red Dye Diesel Executive Order Published, Details Remain Sparse The formal executive order authorizing the over-the-road use of red dye diesel fuel has been officially published, though FreightWaves reports the order is 'short on specifics,' leaving carriers and fleet operators with limited guidance on practical implementation. Red dye diesel - typically reserved for off-road, agricultural, and marine use due to its lower tax rate - has historically been prohibited for on-highway vehicles. The executive order represents a notable regulatory shift, but the absence of detailed enforcement parameters, compliance timelines, or agency guidance has tempered industry enthusiasm. For the maritime sector, the distinction is relevant: red dye diesel is widely used in marine and port equipment, including harbor craft, cargo handling machinery, and auxiliary generators. Any regulatory convergence between on-road and off-road fuel classifications could have downstream effects on fuel supply chains, pricing, and compliance obligations for port operators and vessel operators who rely on the same supply networks. Industry stakeholders are expected to seek clarification from relevant federal agencies as implementation guidance is developed. - *Sources: FreightWaves* #autonomous trucking #cross-border freight #Laredo #drayage #red dye diesel #fuel regulation #supply chain #US-Mexico trade

Yahoo Finance

Oct 9th, 2026

Kodiak AI and Charger Logistics launch autonomous freight service on Dallas-Laredo lane

Kodiak AI and Charger Logistics have launched autonomous freight service on a 435-mile route between Dallas and Laredo, Texas. The trucks transport refrigerated and dry van freight for consumer packaged goods and food and beverage customers, with the first delivery completed on 8 September. A safety driver currently operates the vehicles. The companies plan to transition to driverless operations once Kodiak completes its safety case. Kodiak's Autonomy Readiness Measure reached 96% at the end of September, up from 84% in February. Laredo is the highest-volume commercial land port in the US, handling more than $350 billion in international trade in 2025. Kodiak plans to launch long-haul driverless service by the end of 2026 on its Dallas-Houston lane.

FreightWaves

Oct 9th, 2026

Kodiak AI, Charger Logistics launch autonomous Laredo lane.

Kodiak AI, Charger Logistics launch autonomous Laredo lane. The 435-mile route is Kodiak's first to Laredo, the highest-volume commercial land port of entry in the U.S. · Friday, October 09, 2026 Kodiak AI and Charger Logistics have launched autonomous freight service on the 435-mile lane between Charger's terminals in Dallas and Laredo, Texas, the companies announced Thursday. The trucks haul refrigerated and dry van freight for consumer packaged goods and food and beverage customers. The first delivery ran Sept. 8. A safety driver is behind the wheel for now. The companies plan to move the lane to driverless operations once Kodiak completes its safety case. Kodiak's long-haul Autonomy Readiness Measure, which tracks the share of claims and evidence in that safety case, reached 96% at the end of September. That was up from 93% at the end of August and 84% in February. The company plans to launch long-haul driverless service by the end of 2026 on its Dallas-Houston lane along Interstate 45. Its driverless trucks have operated in commercial service in the Permian Basin since December 2024. Refrigerated and dry van freight to Laredo. Laredo is the highest-volume commercial land port of entry in the U.S., and the Charger lane is Kodiak's first route serving it. The Port of Laredo handled more than $350 billion in international trade in 2025, nearly 40% of all U.S. trade with Mexico, according to the Kodiak press release. Consumer packaged goods and food and beverage freight moves in steady, high-volume flows tied to retail replenishment schedules, Kodiak said, which makes predictable transit times and longer operating hours worth more. Charger is an asset-based carrier operating in the U.S. and Mexico, with temperature-controlled freight among its core service lines. It runs its network on a proprietary transportation management system and a set of in-house applications. "Autonomy lets us build a network that serves both our customers and our drivers," said Andy Khera, president of Charger Logistics, in the announcement. "Combining our in-house TMS, managed transportation, and the Kodiak Driver creates a nearly fully automated ecosystem that gives our customers long-term capacity continuity through changing labor markets and freight demand, while bringing our drivers home every night." Expansion into Charger's fleet. Under its Driver-as-a-Service model, Kodiak deploys the Kodiak Driver on trucks its customers own and operate. The companies expect to add lanes in Charger's network over time as the carrier integrates the Kodiak Driver into its own fleet. Charger also has an autonomous trucking agreement with Aurora Innovation on the same lane. Aurora announced in late July that Charger would deploy Aurora's second-generation driverless trucks between Dallas and Laredo. That deal, reported in August, is a transportation-as-a-service agreement, under which Aurora holds the U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority, controls the truck and carries the insurance. "Charger came to us knowing what they wanted from autonomy and what they need to see before scaling it," said Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak. "The Dallas-Laredo lane extends the Kodiak Driver into a new corridor, and gives both companies the operating foundation we need to scale driverless service." Upcoming FreightWaves Events Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry. October 26, 2026 The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo - Chattanooga, TN F3 Awards Dinner The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room. October 26, 2026 The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo - Chattanooga, TN FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals. October 27, 2026 - October 28, 2026 The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo - Chattanooga, TN

CDLLife

Sep 30th, 2026

Kodiak partners with IKEA to launch trucking service with 'completely empty cab' on I-45 in Texas in 2026.

Kodiak partners with IKEA to launch trucking service with 'completely empty cab' on I-45 in Texas in 2026. Published: September 30, 2026 Autonomous trucking technology company Kodiak announced the next steps in a years-long partnership with furniture giant IKEA. In a September 29 news release, Kodiak announced that "unsupervised driverless operations" for trucks hauling IKEA freight are "only months away" and expected to take place later in 2026. The "driver-out" operations will take place on I-45 in Texas with "no human in the cab," the company said. "The initial driver-out leg will cover 219 miles, primarily along Interstate 45 between Kodiak's Houston and Dallas-area facilities. This is part of the established 292-mile delivery route connecting the IKEA distribution center in Baytown with the IKEA store in Frisco," said Kodiak. Kodiak and IKEA have been working towards driverless operations for four years. As part of the partnership between the two companies, Kodiak's autonomous trucks have delivered more than 1,300 loads and traveled over 750,000 miles "while autonomously carrying IKEA goods with a safety observer aboard." Kodiak says that its autonomous truck technology has delivered IKEA freight along the I-45 route safely for four years. Ahead of the launch, Kodiak says it is completing a highway launch safety case, "a structured, evidence-backed argument that the Kodiak Driver, our autonomous driving system, is safe to operate without a human on board in a defined operating area." "By concentrating on long-haul routes, Kodiak and IKEA have learned how adopting autonomous truck technology can enhance human driver's quality of life, focusing their efforts on the local driving jobs that most prefer. They can reduce their time sleeping on the side of the highway and instead be home with family and friends," the company said. Get the hottest daily trucking news. This week in trucking. Crime September 30, 2026

Kodiak Robotics

Vehicle Integration Technician

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Kodiak Robotics

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Kodiak Robotics unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth