Joblaze summary

The Functional Safety Engineer at Kodiak Robotics focuses on developing and managing safety cases for the company's autonomous vehicle systems. This role requires expertise in ISO 26262 and SOTIF principles, along with experience in software safety requirements and verification processes. Ideal candidates are those with a background in engineering and a strong understanding of safety-critical systems, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles. Kodiak's innovative environment is marked by its commitment to safety and collaboration as it advances its autonomous technology.

Joblaze insights

Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Kodiak Robotics's careers page October 29, 2026.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,100).
Starts above 76% of 1381 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 188 companies).
ISO 26262 appears in 0.1% of 3296 comparable mid other roles in United States; UL4600 appears in 0.1% of 3296 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Functional Safety Engineer, Software role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Mountain View, CA.
What's the salary range?: Kodiak Robotics lists $130,000–$190,000 for this role.
Where is the role based?: Kodiak Robotics is hiring for this position in Mountain View, CA.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ISO 26262, SOTIF, UL4600.
Does Kodiak Robotics sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?: Kodiak Robotics targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Functional Safety Engineer, Software 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 looking for a Functional Safety Software Engineer to join us and drive the development and management of our autonomous vehicle safety cases as we bring the Kodiak Autonomy System to market. We first published our Safety Report in 2019 and have based our development on systems engineering, the ISO26262 process and SOTIF principles.

In this role, you will:

Facilitate bringing the software safety work products across the finish line, following the Safety Plan, reviewing inputs, assisting software teams in understanding the expectations and packaging the information for Independent Assessment.
Participate in specification of software safety requirements.
Review software safety architectural design as part of development
Review software safety unit design and implementation
Develop and/or review test plans, test procedures, verification reports at the software unit and software integration levels, given software safety requirements input on design from the software teams. Support system level testing from a software safety perspective
Perform software safety analyses (e.g. dependent failure analysis) to comply with ISO 26262.
Support Hardware-Software Interface development and derive safety measures.
Collaborate with Kodiak internal and external stakeholders to review and assess work products for compliance with ISO 26262

What you’ll bring:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in software, electrical, mechanical or other related engineering and/or a Bachelor’s degree with professional experience in a high tech environment
Experience with functional safety assessment, preferably at the vehicle component level, and have applied ISO26262 standard to guide the safety case
Good communication skills with a collaborative approach
Proactive problem solvers with hands-on experience
Comfortable preparing safety argumentation
Ability to structure project tasks and drive evidence development among teams
Experience with Part 4, 6, 8 and 9 of ISO 26262. Special emphasis on implementation of Part 6 for vehicles
Experience with system and software level verification and validation of vehicles
Knowledge of software configuration management and software quality assurance
Knowledge of C++ and Matlab is not required but is a plus

What we offer:

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
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, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
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

California Pay Range

$130,000—$190,000 USD

Standard company text repeated across Kodiak Robotics's postings is omitted here.

Functional Safety Engineer, Software

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