Operations Supervisor, Testing
Kodiak Robotics · Kodiak Robotics is an autonomous vehicle company developing self-driving solutions for long-haul trucking to enhance safety and efficiency.
Lancaster, TX101-250 employeesPosted 8 days ago
Post-IPO Equity · $100Mraised 6 months agoled by Lightspeed Venture Partners, SV Angel, Battery Ventures
This board only lists companies whose most recent round closed in the last 180 days.
<div class="content-intro"><p>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.<br><br>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.</p></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As an <strong>Operations Supervisor, Testing</strong>, you’ll oversee daily autonomous vehicle (AV) test operations across Kodiak’s ODD’s. You’ll lead a team of Test Specialists, Safety Drivers, and Assisted Autonomy Operators, ensuring all test runs are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest operational standards.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This role combines hands-on technical understanding with people leadership and strategic coordination. You’ll manage shift performance, enforce safety and compliance standards, and collaborate closely with Engineering and Operations Management to continuously improve test execution and data quality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, lead with composure, and take pride in driving operational excellence, this role is for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Once every four weeks, you'll travel to a remote industrial testing site with sparse amenities to oversee a dedicated on-site crew executing a dynamic mix of industrial-scale testing activities, including:</span></p>
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<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">New customer truck bring-up and integration</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">New software deployment validation</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Additional software testing as project needs evolve</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></span></p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Supervise daily testing operations while actively supporting on-site test execution and troubleshooting.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure all testing activities comply with Kodiak’s SOPs, safety policies, and project priorities.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Collaborate with other supervisors in order to execute tests in with a shared pool of Test Specialists, Safety Drivers, and Assisted Autonomy Operators to maintain consistent throughput and fleet utilization.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Act as the on-shift decision-maker for operational issues, escalating critical matters as appropriate.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Track and report shift-level performance metrics such as throughput, test completion rate, and issue resolution.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Review team documentation for accuracy and completeness, ensuring proper escalation and communication standards.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Identify process gaps or performance trends and implement corrective actions in partnership with management and engineering teams.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions, ride-alongs, and evaluations to support skill development and operational consistency.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all testing teams.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure adherence to company policies, safety protocols, and CDL/HOS compliance requirements where applicable.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Partner with other Supervisors, Leads, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless shift handoffs, shared situational awareness, and aligned priorities.</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What We’re Looking For</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Experience:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3+ years in AV testing, fleet operations, or related automotive environments.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Demonstrated success in a working-lead or supervisory role within a fast-paced, safety-critical setting.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Background:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strong understanding of AV systems, testing workflows, and operational safety practices.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Proven ability to manage shift-based teams while maintaining high productivity and morale.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Industry Knowledge:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Familiarity with autonomous systems, fleet management, and test execution processes.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Understanding of compliance frameworks and operational risk management principles.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Strong Communicator:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Skilled at maintaining calm, structured communication under pressure.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Able to convey complex operational details clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Leadership Mindset:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Leads with accountability and composure, balancing team oversight with hands-on involvement.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Drives continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and process discipline across the test organization.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Why Join Kodiak?</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">At Kodiak, you’ll work at the forefront of autonomous trucking, helping shape safety and compliance frameworks that will define the industry. Your work will directly contribute to real-world deployments, regulatory readiness, and the safe scaling of breakthrough technology. <strong>Join us in creating the foundation that will make autonomous trucking not only possible, but trusted and safe at scale.</strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What we offer:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fidelity 401(k)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)</span></li>
</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><div> </div>
<div>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.</div>
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<div>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.</div>
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<div><em>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](</em><em><a href="https://endorsed.com/local-law-144" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://endorsed.com/local-law-144</a></em><em>). 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 </em><em><a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">[email protected]</a></em><em> with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.</em></div>
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