Safety Driver, Commercial

Job Description

Job Description

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 a Safety Driver, Commercial , you'll operate Kodiak's autonomous-enabled trucks on real-world, over-the-road commercial freight routes. You'll partner closely with our Operations, Command Center, and customer teams to safely deliver freight while supporting the continued deployment and validation of Kodiak's autonomous driving technology in production environments.

This role is focused on live commercial operations, not testing. You'll be responsible for maintaining safety, professionalism, and reliability while operating on highways alongside the public and delivering freight for Kodiak's commercial partners.

If you're an experienced CDL driver who takes pride in safe driving, consistency, and being part of the future of trucking, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate autonomous-enabled commercial trucks on both local and over-the-road freight routes, maintaining full situational awareness at all times.
• Take control of the vehicle when required to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and mission success.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle readiness and roadworthiness.
• Execute assigned commercial routes in alignment with dispatch instructions, customer schedules, and operational priorities.
• Communicate timely updates regarding route status, delays, or issues to Operations and Command Center teams.
• Adhere strictly to all FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service requirements, and company safety policies.
• Represent Kodiak professionally with customers, partners, and the public during all commercial operations.
• Maintain accurate trip documentation and operational records as required.
• Support continuous improvement by providing feedback on vehicle performance, route conditions, and operational processes.
• Uphold Kodiak's safety-first culture while operating in live highway and customer-facing environments.

What You'll Bring

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• Minimum 3+ years of recent, verifiable Class A driving experience.
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles as an essential function of the position.
• Have and maintain a clean driving record that meets requirements for coverage under the company's auto insurance policy.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug test, MVR review, DOT physical, and a practical driving assessment.
• Light computer skills required; training provided.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in high-awareness roles (test driving, autonomous/ADAS validation, specialized transport) is a strong plus.

Why Join Kodiak?

At Kodiak, you'll work at the forefront of autonomous trucking, supporting real-world commercial deployments that are shaping the future of freight. Your work directly enables safe, reliable deliveries for our partners while helping scale autonomous technology in live production environments. Join us in building a safer, more efficient future for trucking - one mile at a time.

What we offer:

• A place with big goals that we trust we can achieve
• A fast paced environment where we work with talented, committed and supportive teammates
• $37/hr with predictable scheduling
• $60/hr when OTR
• Double time for holiday pay
• Clean, newer vehicles
• Snacks and Drinks provided
• Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
• Accrued PTO and generous parental leave policies
• Facility is located in Lancaster, TX - 3901 Corporate Dr Ste 300
• 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.)

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](-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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.