Operations Supervisor, Testing

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.

As an Operations Supervisor, Testing, 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.

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.

If you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, lead with composure, and take pride in driving operational excellence, this role is for you.

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:

• New customer truck bring-up and integration
• New software deployment validation
• Additional software testing as project needs evolve

What You’ll Do

• Supervise daily testing operations while actively supporting on-site test execution and troubleshooting.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with Kodiak’s SOPs, safety policies, and project priorities.
• 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.
• Act as the on-shift decision-maker for operational issues, escalating critical matters as appropriate.
• Track and report shift-level performance metrics such as throughput, test completion rate, and issue resolution.
• Review team documentation for accuracy and completeness, ensuring proper escalation and communication standards.
• Identify process gaps or performance trends and implement corrective actions in partnership with management and engineering teams.
• Conduct one-on-one coaching sessions, ride-alongs, and evaluations to support skill development and operational consistency.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all testing teams.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, safety protocols, and CDL/HOS compliance requirements where applicable.
• Partner with other Supervisors, Leads, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless shift handoffs, shared situational awareness, and aligned priorities.

What We’re Looking For

Experience:

• 3+ years in AV testing, fleet operations, or related automotive environments.
• Demonstrated success in a working-lead or supervisory role within a fast-paced, safety-critical setting.

Background:

• Strong understanding of AV systems, testing workflows, and operational safety practices.
• Proven ability to manage shift-based teams while maintaining high productivity and morale.

Industry Knowledge:

• Familiarity with autonomous systems, fleet management, and test execution processes.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks and operational risk management principles.

Strong Communicator:

• Skilled at maintaining calm, structured communication under pressure.
• Able to convey complex operational details clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Leadership Mindset:

• Leads with accountability and composure, balancing team oversight with hands-on involvement.
• Drives continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and process discipline across the test organization.

Why Join Kodiak?

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. Join us in creating the foundation that will make autonomous trucking not only possible, but trusted and safe at scale.

What we 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
• 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.)