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Applied AI Engineer – Generative AI

Kodiak
Full-time
On-site
San Francisco, California, United States
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.

If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description. 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.

In this role, you will

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 annual bonuses

Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)

MetLife Legal Services, Identity & Fraud Protection, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Critical Illness Insurance

Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, 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

Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna, Calm through Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health through Cigna, Rula (mental health navigation)

Fidelity 401(k)

Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA

The pay range listed below reflects the base salary in our SF/Silicon Valley location, across several internal levels. Actual starting pay will be based on job‑related factors including: work location, experience, relevant training, education, skill level and performance during interview. Total compensation at Kodiak includes base pay, equity, bonus and a competitive benefits package. xsgimln

$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.