Probabilistic Risk Assessment Engineer

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become the trusted world leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company is developing an industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for driverless military and long-haul trucking applications. Kodiak’s unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company autonomously delivers freight daily for its commercial customers across the Sun Belt states and for Atlas Energy in the Permian Basin. Kodiak also leverages its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

We are looking for a candidate who can support Kodiak’s Probabilistic Risk Assessment efforts to quantify and manage the Kodiak Autonomy System’s SOTIF risk.  An ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of probabilistic modeling, experience working with Bayesian statistics, and familiarity with verification and validation of autonomous systems.  This will be used to support our safety claims about safe perception, motion planning, and control for autonomous robots so that we can ethically and safely deploy autonomous trucks to save lives and transform the freight industry.

In this role, you will:

• Develop Python-based probabilistic risk models to analyze SOTIF risk for an autonomous driving system
• Collaborate with autonomy software and hardware developers to continuously refine risk models.
• Collaborate with data science teammates to process real-world driving data for ingestion into the PRA model.
• Lead projects to identify risk sources, systematically construct well-defined risk models, lead data collection efforts, revise risk models, and guide cross-functional groups to reduce the risk.

What you'll bring:

• Strong background in Bayesian statistics and probabilistic models
• Strong quantitative skills
• Proficiency in Python including numpy and scipy libraries
• Familiarity with autonomous system verification and validation
• Familiarity with fault tree analysis (FTA), FMEA, and other safety tools.




An ideal candidate may also bring some of the following experiences:

• Familiarity with with reliability analysis
• Familiarity with developing autonomous vehicle safety cases
• Familiarity with machine learning models
• Familiarity with sequential state estimation algorithms

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 salary range for this full-time position is $180,000-$235,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Actual salary ranges will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

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.