Winter 2027 Intern, Controls

Kodiak
Mountain View, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward mid-level candidates comfortable with deploying algorithms in real-world autonomous trucking scenarios, with a focus on C++ and linear algebra.

Best fit for

  • Mid-level candidates with strong C++ and math skills who thrive in collaborative robotics environments
    — “Strong C++ programming skills. Strong kinematics, linear algebra and calculus.
  • Students in engineering or computer science fields with interest in AV development and real-world deployment
    — “Field(s) of study: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related fields.
  • Individuals seeking to gain hands-on experience with production-level AV systems and fault management
    — “Deploy code on autonomous trucks operating in the real world.

Things to consider

  • Candidates must be prepared to handle potential U.S. residency or citizenship requirements for certain roles
    — “may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility
  • Interns are responsible for their own housing in Mountain View, CA
    — “Housing: Interns are responsible for housing.

How to stand out

  • Showcase projects or coursework involving graph search and fault management systems
    — “improving routing through construction zones, and implementing safety-critical fault management policies.
  • Emphasize your ability to collaborate across teams, particularly with offboard and operations groups
    — “Ability to solve basic graph search problems.
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Intern

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • develop core mission algorithms
  • deploy code on autonomous trucks
  • work with industry-standard tools
Typical background
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

C++ ProgrammingKinematicsLinear AlgebraCalculusGraph Search Problems

Preferred

Robotics ExperienceAutonomous Vehicle Technology

Stack & domain

C++KinematicsLinear AlgebraCalculusGraph Search ProblemsTeamworkProblem-solvingRoboticsAutonomous VehiclesAI

About the role

Original posting from Kodiak via Greenhouse

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.

We are looking for a highly skilled Controls Intern to join us and solve real-world robotics problems. Our ideal candidates exhibit a can-do attitude and approach their work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields and to possess the ability to learn quickly within a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will:

Improve the performance of self-driving trucks!

Develop your coding skills on a production-level codebase.

Read and write modern C++.

Collaborate with other engineers daily.

Help advance our state-of-the-art autonomous trucking platform.

What you’ll bring:

Field(s) of study: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.

Are currently pursuing a degree at an accredited university.

Juniors, Seniors, or graduate students.

Are excited to work on autonomous trucks that are running in the real world. 

Knowledge of controls fundamentals.

Expertise with vehicle dynamics and modeling.

Strong C++ software development skills.

Knowledge of modern revision tracking systems (e.g. git).

Bonus point if you have:

Facility with embedded systems (e.g., CAN).

Experience with safety-critical systems.

Knowledge of systems engineering practices.

Internship Program Details:

Start Date: January 2027

Our internship program is 12-16 weeks; the end date is flexible based on individual needs.

Location: Mountain View, CA.

Housing: Interns are responsible for housing

What we offer:

A fast-paced environment where we work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates.

Competitive pay.

Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.  

A beautiful facility in Mountain View.

We love our dogs, so we are a dog-friendly office!

Free catered lunch.

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$10,000—$10,000 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.

Source: Kodiak careers (Greenhouse)

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