The job, in the employer's words
Kodiak AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KDK), founded in 2018, is a leader in Physical AI, developing driverless technology that powers machines that move. Its Kodiak Driver is a vehicle-agnostic autonomous driving system that combines AI-powered software with modular hardware. Today it operates in long-haul trucking, industrial trucking, and defense. In 2024, Kodiak launched commercial Driver-as-a-Service operations with no one in the cab, and plans to launch driverless long-haul service between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2026.
Kodiak has partnered with many of the biggest names in freight, including Bosch for scaled hardware production, AWS, and leading customers including Atlas Energy Solutions, IKEA, Bridgestone, Werner Enterprises, C.R. England, Roehl Transport, and General Dynamics Land Systems.
As an Operations Supervisor, Testing, you’ll oversee daily autonomous vehicle (AV) test operations across Kodiak’s ODD’s. You’ll lead a team of Test Specialists, Safety Drivers, and Assisted Autonomy Operators, ensuring all test runs are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest operational standards.
This role combines hands-on technical understanding with people leadership and strategic coordination. You’ll manage shift performance, enforce safety and compliance standards, and collaborate closely with Engineering and Operations Management to continuously improve test execution and data quality.
If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, lead with composure, and take pride in driving operational excellence, this role is for you.
Once every four weeks, you'll travel to a remote industrial testing site with sparse amenities to oversee a dedicated on-site crew executing a dynamic mix of industrial-scale testing activities, including:
- New customer truck bring-up and integration
- New software deployment validation
- Additional software testing as project needs evolve
What You’ll Do
- Supervise daily testing operations while actively supporting on-site test execution and troubleshooting.
- Ensure all testing activities comply with Kodiak’s SOPs, safety policies, and project priorities.
- Collaborate with other supervisors in order to execute tests in with a shared pool of Test Specialists, Safety Drivers, and Assisted Autonomy Operators to maintain consistent throughput and fleet utilization.
- Act as the on-shift decision-maker for operational issues, escalating critical matters as appropriate.
- Track and report shift-level performance metrics such as throughput, test completion rate, and issue resolution.
- Review team documentation for accuracy and completeness, ensuring proper escalation and communication standards.
- Identify process gaps or performance trends and implement corrective actions in partnership with management and engineering teams.
- Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions, ride-alongs, and evaluations to support skill development and operational consistency.
- Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all testing teams.
- Ensure adherence to company policies, safety protocols, and CDL/HOS compliance requirements where applicable.
- Partner with other Supervisors, Leads, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless shift handoffs, shared situational awareness, and aligned priorities.
What We’re Looking For
Experience:
- 3+ years in AV testing, fleet operations, or related automotive environments.
- Demonstrated success in a working-lead or supervisory role within a fast-paced, safety-critical setting.
Background:
- Strong understanding of AV systems, testing workflows, and operational safety practices.
- Proven ability to manage shift-based teams while maintaining high productivity and morale.
Industry Knowledge:
- Familiarity with autonomous systems, fleet management, and test execution processes.
- Understanding of compliance frameworks and operational risk management principles.
Strong Communicator:
- Skilled at maintaining calm, structured communication under pressure.
- Able to convey complex operational details clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Leadership Mindset:
- Leads with accountability and composure, balancing team oversight with hands-on involvement.
- Drives continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and process discipline across the test organization.
Why Join Kodiak?
At Kodiak, you’ll work at the forefront of autonomous trucking, helping shape safety and compliance frameworks that will define the industry. Your work will directly contribute to real-world deployments, regulatory readiness, and the safe scaling of breakthrough technology. Join us in creating the foundation that will make autonomous trucking not only possible, but trusted and safe at scale.
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
- 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.)
Benefits mentioned
- At Kodiak, you’ll work at the forefront of autonomous trucking, helping shape safety and compliance frameworks that will define the industry. Your work will directly contribute to real-world deployments, regulatory readiness, and the safe scaling of breakthrough technology. Join us in creating the foundation that will make autonomous trucking not only possible, but trusted and safe at scale.
- 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
- 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.)
- 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.
- We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.
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