Senior Security Operations Engineer

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become the trusted world leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company is developing an industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for driverless long-haul trucking applications. Kodiak’s unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company autonomously delivers freight daily for its commercial customers across the Sun Belt states and for Atlas Energy in the Permian Basin. Kodiak also leverages 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 Security Operations Engineer to build and maintain our detection, response, and security automation capabilities. If you are passionate about securing autonomous systems, thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, and love solving security challenges, we’d love to hear from you!

• Integrate and operate Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) tools to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Investigate alerts, anomalies, and potential breaches, ensuring rapid response and containment.
• Work with IT and engineering teams to remediate vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses with regards to autonomous vehicles and cloud infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain incident response playbook and workflows.
• Build automation scripts for log analysis, alert triaging, and threat intelligence ingestion.
• Conduct security tabletop exercises to assess and improve response readiness.
• Track and analyze emerging cyber threats relevant to the autonomous vehicle industry.

• 5+ years of experience in Security Operations, Incident Response, or Threat Detection.
• Expertise with SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS and forensic tools.
• Hands-on experience with Linux security, cloud security (AWS/GCP), and container security.
• Proficiency in developing tools and automation, with a preference for Python.
• Practical understanding of common attacks, TTPs and MITRE ATT&CK principles.
• Familiarity with security frameworks like NIST 800-53, SOC 2, ISO 21434.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with deep developer empathy.

• Experience securing autonomous vehicle systems, IoT, or embedded platforms.
• Industry-recognized certifications such as CISSP, SANS GIAC and AWS certifications (SAA, SAP, or SCS).

• 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.)

The salary range for this full-time position is $160,000-$225,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. 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 or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, 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 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.