Technical Program Manager - Safety-Critical Programs

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.

To help us move faster and more safely, we're hiring Technical Program Managers (TPMs) to lead one of our most critical programs: Safety-Critical Release Management, Safety Case Development, or Cybersecurity.

These are high-impact, high-ownership roles for someone with a bias for action, proven cross-functional leadership, and a strong willingness to learn and adapt in technically complex, regulated environments.

In this role, you will:

Safety-Critical Release Management:

• Lead the end-to-end process for releasing safety-critical software and hardware components.
• Coordinate across engineering, testing, safety, and operations teams to plan, execute, and validate releases.
• Define release criteria, manage dependencies, and facilitate go/no-go decision-making with stakeholders.

Safety Case Development:

• Drive the creation and evolution of Kodiak's system safety case to support deployments across sectors.
• Understand dependencies for, and execute to comply with standards such as UL 4600 and ISO 26262.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define claims, gather evidence, and maintain safety documentation and traceability.

Cybersecurity Programs:

• Organize cross-functional efforts to improve Kodiak's cybersecurity posture, including compliance with standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and ISO 21434.
• Coordinate implementation of technical and organizational controls across Security, IT, Legal, and Engineering.
• Prepare for audits, manage risks, and ensure security programs are robust and scalable.

What you'll bring:

• 5+ years of technical program management experience in complex engineering environments.
• Strong bias for action-you anticipate roadblocks and move projects forward proactively.
• Proven track record of driving alignment and execution across cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; you bring structure to ambiguity.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn technical domains, safety/cyber standards, and regulatory constraints.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in autonomous systems, robotics, defense, automotive, aerospace, or other safety-critical domains.
• Technical degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
• Experience working in high-growth or dual-use (commercial/defense) environments.

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

$180,000-$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's application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.