Backend API Software Engineer

Kodiak was founded in April 2018 to develop autonomous technology that carries freight forward—so people, partners, and the planet thrive. Navigating highway environments presents vastly different challenges than urban streets. Kodiak’s experienced team has developed the industry’s most advanced technology stack purpose-built specifically for long-haul trucks. From our sensor fusion system that maximizes the value of every sensing modality, to our unique lightweight mapping solution that allows our trucks to navigate ever-changing highway construction zones, our world-class team of industry pioneers is bringing the benefits of autonomy to the $800B a year trucking industry quickly, safely, and efficiently.

We are looking for an Engineering Specialist with skills and expertise in designing and developing secure, scalable, and reliable REST APIs for our customers and business partners. The person for this role must understand the fundamentals of building and hosting APIs in AWS as well as several associated enterprise features such as secure authentication, performance optimization and observability, failover & redundancy, and monitoring for and alerting about issues. This role will involve designing, implementing, testing, and deploying APIs for a variety of use cases and systems. This role will work collaboratively across multiple teams within and outside of Kodiak.

In this role, you will:

• Optimize and enhance existing APIs
• Research and design new APIs for new use cases
• Implement APIs and backend logic using Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, C++
• Utilize a variety of AWS technologies such as API Gateway, AWS Lambda, Amazon AppSync, DynamoDB, and Terraform
• Interact with a variety of data sources including documents, databases, raw and/or processed sensor data, and other APIs
• Collaborate with Software Engineering, Software Quality, Commercial and Operations teams to understand end user requirements.

Qualifications:

• Strong technical background as evidenced by BS, MS, or equivalent experience, in Computer Science or a related engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience building backend services with significant scale and performance
• Experience in designing and implementing external facing APIs
• Experience with AWS technologies and services
• Experience with service performance measurement, observability, and tuning
• Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript; bonus for C++
• Great communicator; you must be capable of writing clear, concise, and detailed documentation
• Passion; you must be passionate about autonomous vehicles and their potential impact on humanity.

What we can 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
• 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.)

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $160,000-$220,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We can share more about the specific salary range for your job level during the hiring process. 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 U.S. national security statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. These statutes may impose limitations on Kodiak's capacity to engage specific individuals in particular roles based on various national security-related criteria. Kodiak will provide sponsorship for eligible candidate's. Consequently, the eligibility for this position may hinge on Kodiak's verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. In accordance with these statutes , Kodiak may find it necessary to secure a U.S. government export license before disseminating its technologies to specific individuals. Should Kodiak determine that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate a license, prohibit the candidate from assuming this position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak explicitly retains the right to either assess the candidate for an alternative position 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.