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Applied AI Engineer – Generative AI

Kodiak
Full-time
On-site
San Francisco
$250,000 - $250,000 USD yearly
Overview

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 redefining what AI can do in autonomy, and generative models play a critical role in making AI more adaptive, predictive, and resilient. We are looking for engineers to develop AI that anticipates uncertainty, enhances decision-making, and refines its own understanding of the world. This role is open to all levels—from those eager to contribute to cutting-edge research to experts driving innovation at scale.

What you’ll do

Develop generative models that enhance adaptability and improve AI robustness

Research and implement diffusion-based, autoregressive, and variational techniques for real-world AI applications

Apply generative methods to anticipate challenges and reinforce decision-making

Build self-improving AI pipelines that continuously refine model understanding

Optimize models for efficient, scalable, and interpretable AI decision-making

What you’ll bring

BS, MS, or PhD in AI, Computer Science, or a related field, or at least 2-3 years of industry experience

Experience with diffusion models, autoregressive learning, or generative AI methods

Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow

Strong understanding of uncertainty modeling and self-supervised learning

Passion for building AI that continuously adapts and learns.

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 - $250,000 USD

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. 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. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

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