Applied AI Engineer - Foundation Models

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Kodiak is building the next generation of AI for autonomy, and foundation models are at the core. We are looking for engineers to develop and scale self-supervised, large-scale models that understand the world at a deep level, enabling adaptability, generalization, and safety in real-world operations. This role is open to all levels-from engineers eager to learn to experts looking to push the limits of AI.

In this role, you will :

• Develop foundation models that generalize across diverse real-world environments
• Build scalable training and fine-tuning pipelines to improve performance and efficiency
• Leverage self-supervised learning and multimodal architectures for robust AI understanding
• Optimize models for deployment in dynamic, real-time AI systems
• Collaborate with engineering teams to apply foundation models in real-world autonomy

What you'll bring :

What we offer :

Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

California Pay Range

$150,000-$250,000 USD

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.