Joblaze summary

In the role of Staff Software Engineer at Kodiak Robotics, the individual will focus on integrating learned models into the behavior planning stack for autonomous driving. Key skills include a strong background in behavior planning, decision-making, and proficiency in C++, with Python as a plus. This position is ideal for experienced professionals in autonomous vehicles or robotics who possess technical leadership abilities and can navigate the complexities of real-world planning systems. Kodiak's commitment to safety and innovation in autonomous technology underscores the significance of this high-impact role.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Kodiak Robotics's careers page November 6, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for AI/ML roles (median ~$190,000).
Starts above 62% of 94 comparable staff ai/ml roles in United States that list Python we track (median $230,000 across 38 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 48.5% of 270 comparable staff ai/ml roles in United States; C++ appears in 11.5% of 270 comparable staff ai/ml roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Staff Software Engineer, Learned & Hybrid Behavior Planning role remote?: It's hybrid — Kodiak Robotics expects some on-site time in Mountain View, CA.
What's the salary range?: Kodiak Robotics lists $240,000–$265,000 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: C++, Machine Learning, Python, autonomous vehicles, behavior planning.
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 staff-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Staff Software Engineer, Learned & Hybrid Behavior Planning 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 Staff Software Engineer to help shape how learned models are integrated into behavior planning for autonomous driving. In this role, you will sit at the intersection of Planning and Machine Learning, working closely with ML engineers and autonomy teams to bring learned components into a production autonomy stack.

This is a high-impact role for someone who understands both the practical constraints of real-world planning systems and the opportunities enabled by modern learned models. You will help shape how ML improves autonomy behavior while ensuring that new capabilities are safe, measurable, debuggable, and deployable.

What You’ll Do

Lead Planning-side integration of learned models into the behavior planning stack.
Collaborate closely with ML teams on model improvements, requirements, evaluation, and deployment.
Work on learned planning components as well as other ML-driven planning signals, such as behavior classification, actor intent understanding, and data-driven decision-making.
Design integration strategies that balance learned components with existing heuristic planning systems.
Define validation, fallback, monitoring, and safety criteria for learned planning components.
Debug and analyze model behavior using simulation, logs, metrics, and real-world autonomy data.
Partner with cross-functional teams across Perception, ML, Planning, Simulation, Systems, and Safety.
Lead technical designs and mentor other engineers.

What We’re Looking For

Strong experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, or a related autonomy domain.
Deep technical background in behavior planning, decision-making, or motion planning.
Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in C++. Python proficiency is a plus.
Experience working with heuristic or classical planning systems.
Experience integrating or developing learned behavior policies, behavior classification, trajectory prediction, or actor intent models.
Ability to reason about safety, system behavior, evaluation, and deployment risk.
Excellent cross-functional communication and technical leadership skills.

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

$240,000—$265,000 USD

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

Staff Software Engineer, Learned & Hybrid Behavior Planning

What You’ll Do

What We’re Looking For

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