What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Harness Engineer position at Kodiak?
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.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Harness Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, CA. The successful candidate will be responsible for product-level design and validation of electrical wire harnesses that are critical to the operation of our autonomous vehicles. The role will work collaboratively across mechanical, electrical, and integration engineering teams to build safe, reliable systems.
In this role, you will:
California Pay Range: $150,000 USD - $185,000 USD
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](https://endorsed.com/local-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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Harness Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, CA. The successful candidate will be responsible for product-level design and validation of electrical wire harnesses that are critical to the operation of our autonomous vehicles. The role will work collaboratively across mechanical, electrical, and integration engineering teams to build safe, reliable systems.
In this role, you will:
- Design automotive wire harnesses and busbars using mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks)
- Be responsible for wire routing paths, lengths, strain relief features, and connector selection
- Create drawings and BOMs
- Release design documents to manufacturing through PLM software (Arena)
- Create content for work instructions, such as CAD graphics
- Collaborate with electrical engineers on wire harness design
- Incorporate design principles for EMI, grounding, tolerancing, clearance, and functionality trade-offs
- Participate in first article builds at Kodiak locations and contract manufacturers including travel to various locations within USA
- Validate designs through builds and verification testing
- Ensure high-level correlation between virtual 3D models and physical harness dimensions
- BS or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with 3 years' experience developing automotive harness systems and routing from concept to production
- Experience with 3D mechanical CAD (SolidWorks preferred, CATIA, NX, etc)
- Experience with PDM and PLM (Arena and ePDM preferred, Teamcenter, etc)
- Familiarity with common harnessing standards such as AS50881, MIL-E-7016, EWIS, MIL-STD-704
- Proficiency in translating electrical schematics into precise cable routing and endpoint mapping and background in managing complex 3D harness assembly hierarchies
- Procure CAD components and curate comprehensive electrical part libraries
- Nice-to-have: Experience with harness schematics and diagrams (Capital Harness Designer preferred or similar electrical CAD software) and experience designing form-boards and end-of-line test devices
- 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.)
California Pay Range: $150,000 USD - $185,000 USD
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](https://endorsed.com/local-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 careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.
Salary : $150,000