Develop hardware for next-generation vehicles, manage mechanical designs, conduct analysis, and collaborate across engineering teams while mentoring junior engineers.
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
- 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 annual salary range for this full-time position is $150,000-$190,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We can share more about the specific salary range for your job level 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 U.S. national security statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. These statutes may impose limitations on Kodiak's capacity to engage specific individuals in particular roles based on various national security-related criteria. Consequently, the eligibility for this position may hinge on Kodiak's verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. In accordance with these statutes, Kodiak may find it necessary to secure a U.S. government export license before disseminating its technologies to specific individuals. Should Kodiak determine that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate a license, prohibit the candidate from assuming this position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak explicitly retains the right to either assess the candidate for an alternative position 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.
Top Skills
Ansys
Cad
Cfd
Fea
Solidworks
Similar Jobs
Professional Services
The Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager will design, execute projects, manage resources, mentor engineers, and liaise with clients.
Top Skills:
Engineering Design TechniquesFire Protection SystemsHvacMechanical SystemsPlumbing
Professional Services
The Senior Mechanical Engineer/Team Lead will manage technical teams, oversee mechanical design projects, and drive business development while ensuring compliance and client satisfaction.
Top Skills:
AutocadFire Protection SystemsHvacPlumbingRevit
Energy • Renewable Energy
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will provide expertise on various projects, ensure design quality, compliance with regulations, and support technical guidance for teams.
Top Skills:
Car Wash SystemsEngineering Design StandardsEv Charging SystemsIndustry Codes (CsaNational/Provincial Codes)Retail Petroleum SystemsRisk Management ToolsSales & Marketing KnowledgeUlc
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
