Embedded Software Manager
Lead a team of embedded engineers to develop safety-critical firmware for autonomous trucks at Kodiak Robotics.
Posted by employer 1 day ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 hour ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 hour ago
What you'll build
- Manage and mentor a team of embedded engineers
- Own architecture and delivery of real-time firmware
- Drive development in line with ISO 26262
- Work with hardware and manufacturing teams
- Develop and maintain end-of-line test software
Must have
- Experience leading or tech-leading embedded teams
- Strong embedded C/C++ on an RTOS
- Hands-on experience with safety-critical development
- PCBA bring-up and debug experience
Nice to have
- CAN bus and J1939
- Heavy truck or autonomous vehicle experience
- MISRA C
Role intensity
40% coding
Not disclosed in this posting: years of experience, work arrangement, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Embedded Software Manager at Kodiak Robotics leads a team of engineers focused on developing safety-critical firmware for autonomous trucks, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software from initial design through production testing. Proficiency in embedded C/C++ on real-time operating systems, along with experience in safety-critical development and ISO 26262 standards, is essential for this role. This position is well-suited for candidates with a background in embedded systems and a track record of team leadership. Kodiak's commitment to innovation in driverless technology positions this role at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle industry.
Joblaze insights
- Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 12, 2026. Last confirmed on Kodiak Robotics's careers page November 12, 2026.
- Salary band is above the typical range for Management roles (median ~$172,030).
- Starts above 70% of 328 comparable lead management roles in United States we track (median $192,000 across 98 companies).
- C++ appears in 2.5% of 650 comparable lead management roles in United States; RTOS appears in 0.2% of 650 comparable lead management roles in United States.
Quick facts
- What's the salary range?
- Kodiak Robotics lists $220,000–$250,000 for this role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: AUTOSAR, C, C++, FreeRTOS, ISO 26262, QNX.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Kodiak Robotics targets lead candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Embedded Software Manager role at Kodiak Robotics.
From the original posting
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.
We are seeking an Embedded Software Manager to join our team. In this role, you will use your expertise to lead a small team of embedded engineers developing safety-critical firmware for Kodiak's autonomous trucks. You will stay hands-on in design and code review while owning the team's delivery, from board bring-up through production end-of-line testing.
What you'll do:
- Manage and mentor a team of 3 embedded engineers, setting priorities and growing the team's technical depth
- Own architecture and delivery of real-time firmware running on an RTOS in safety-critical systems
- Drive development in line with ISO 26262, including safety requirements, reviews and verification evidence
- Work with hardware and manufacturing teams on PCBA bring-up, debug and design for test
- Develop and maintain end-of-line test software and fixtures so every unit is verified before it ships
- Stay close to the code through design reviews, debugging, and writing code where it helps
What you'll bring:
- Experience leading or tech-leading embedded teams, with a clear path into people management
- Strong embedded C/C++ on an RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, QNX, AUTOSAR or similar)
- Hands-on experience with safety-critical development and ISO 26262
- PCBA bring-up and debug experience, and experience with production or end-of-line test
Nice to have:
- CAN bus and J1939
- Heavy truck or autonomous vehicle experience
- MISRA C
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
- Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policies
- 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
Standard company text repeated across Kodiak Robotics's postings is omitted here.