Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Kodiak

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.

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to develop hardware for our next generation vehicle. You will join a well‑rounded mechanical team with experts in design, analysis, drafting, and fabrication. Development is fast paced with in‑house testing equipment, software tools, CNC machining and 3D printing. This is your opportunity to make an impact on our cutting edge technology.

In this role, you will :

Own mechanical designs from concept through production

Focus your time approximately 75% on design and 25% on analysis

Design for medium and high volume manufacturing (DFM / DFA)

Create CAD 3D models and 2D drawings (SolidWorks)

Perform thermal and structural analysis using FEA and CFD (SolidWorks and Ansys)

Release design documentation to internal and external teams

Revise designs based on feedback from manufacturing and operations

Manage project schedule and tasks including build events

Collaborate with other engineering teams on requirements, architectures, and roadmaps

Conduct trade studies and lead design reviews

Guide and mentor other mechanical engineers

What you’ll bring :

Strong technical background. BS or MS, or equivalent experience, in Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in the automotive, aerospace or related industry. Strong CAD experience with packages such as SolidWorks, NX, Catia, and / or Creo.

Have prior experience designing production‑level electronics in a relevant industry. Such as automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace, high performance computing, industrial electronics, and sensors.

A team leader. Whether formally or informally, you have previously played the lead role on several projects. You take ownership and drive the team to deliver exceptional results.

Proven ability to build and iterate quickly. You have experienced product development in all of its stages and are comfortable in the earlier stages – moving from Concept to Production.

Hands on. You are just as comfortable with a wrench as a keyboard. You have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes for both low and high volume production.

Great communicator. You have experience writing clear, concise, and detailed documentation. You are skilled in leading and participating in cross‑functional design reviews.

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.)

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 USD - $190,000 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.

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