2-5

Applied AI Engineer – Generative AI

2/28/2026

Engineers will develop generative models to enhance AI adaptability and robustness, focusing on research and implementation of diffusion-based, autoregressive, and variational techniques for real-world applications. Responsibilities also include building self-improving AI pipelines and optimizing models for efficient, scalable, and interpretable decision-making.

Salary

150000 - 250000 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

Endlessly adaptable. Always reliable. Through the endless demands of a world in constant motion, Kodiak helps you get the job done. With purpose-built solutions to power autonomous movement in any environment, we make sure our partners save time, run clean, and keep safe.

About the Role

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.

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
Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
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
Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

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

California Pay Range

$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.

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.

Key Skills

Generative ModelsDiffusion ModelsAutoregressive LearningVariational TechniquesPythonPyTorchTensorFlowUncertainty ModelingSelf-Supervised LearningAI RobustnessDecision-Making EnhancementScalable AIInterpretable AI