Product Operations Manager

About Kodiak

Kodiak Robotics, Inc., established in 2018, is a major player in autonomous ground transportation with a mission to make freight movement safer and more efficient. The company has built an AI-based technology platform designed for commercial trucking and public-sector use. It transports freight every day for customers across the southern United States using autonomous systems, and in 2024 it became the first known company to publicly share that it had delivered a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak also applies its commercial self-driving software to build, test, and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Role Overview

Kodiak is looking for a highly driven and detail-focused Product Operations Manager to join the team in Lancaster, TX. This position sits at the intersection of Product and Engineering on one side and Operations and Field teams on the other. The main objective is to improve, formalize, and scale the operational mechanisms that support Kodiak’s growing footprint. This is a full-time, on-site role based in the Lancaster office.

What You Will Do

• Create, document, and operationalize scalable processes in partnership with Program, Engineering, and Operations teams to support autonomous vehicle operations.
• Own the loop between field operations and product/engineering teams, turning operational feedback into clear product and engineering actions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to test, validate, and launch new features quickly in a highly operational environment.
• Serve as the connector across Product, Engineering, Field Operations, and related teams to keep priorities aligned and drive successful feature adoption.
• Maintain a strong focus on accuracy and speed in product rollout and operational execution.
• Define operational key performance indicators and track how products perform in the field, sharing risks and insights with stakeholders.
• Deliver concise, data-backed updates on progress, blockers, and mitigation plans to leadership and other cross-functional partners.
• Stay effective in ambiguous, fast-changing situations and take a hands-on approach in areas that are not yet fully defined.

What We Are Looking For

• At least 3 years of experience in Product Operations, Technical Program Management, or a comparable role in a highly operational technology setting.
• Strong analytical ability, with a record of using data to improve processes and product choices; tools such as Kibana or Elastic are relevant examples.
• Excellent attention to detail and a history of delivering on time in complex environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working across Engineering, Field Operations, and Product teams.
• Ability to work full time from the Lancaster, TX office.
• A non-technical academic background is acceptable, though some technical aptitude or curiosity is preferred.
• Comfort using generative AI tools to make workflows faster and improve the clarity and quality of communications.
• Additional experience in operations research, industrial engineering, process optimization, autonomy, mobility, supply chain, logistics, or working across both startup and larger-company environments is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive pay package with equity and annual bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and MetLife, including a medical plan with infertility benefits.
• MetLife Legal Services, identity and fraud protection, hospital indemnity insurance, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
• Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave.
• On-site perks including free catered lunch and a fully stocked kitchen.
• Long-term disability, short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Wellbeing support through Headspace via Cigna, Calm via Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health via Cigna, and Rula for mental health navigation.
• Fidelity 401(k).
• Commuter benefits, FSA, dependent care FSA, and HSA.
• Various incentive programs, including referral bonuses and patent bonuses.

Eligibility and Additional Information

Kodiak is committed to a diverse, safe, and collaborative workplace and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected basis under applicable law.

Because of the company’s business and regulatory environment, some roles may require additional screening and may be limited to candidates who can satisfy residency, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship requirements. If an export license is required, or if a candidate is restricted by national security-related rules, Kodiak may consider alternative roles at its discretion or may choose not to continue with the application. Visa sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates.

Kodiak uses a third-party AI screening tool called Endorsed to support initial application review. The tool is provided candidate submissions and job requirements, while final hiring decisions remain with human recruiters. The system may qualify as an Automated Employment Decision Tool under certain regulations. Kodiak began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. Candidates may review the independent bias audit report at the provided Endorsed link. Applicants may request a separate review by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Separate Review Request.”