Winter 2027 Intern – Motion Planning

Job overview

The Winter 2027 Intern – Motion Planning role is onsite in Mountain View, CA, starting in January 2027 for a 12–16-week program with a flexible end date. Compensation is described as competitive; the posting also lists a California pay range of $10,000–$10,000 without specifying a pay period. The intern supports Kodiak’s Motion Planning team, developing algorithms for autonomous trucks. The intern contributes to decision-making and motion-planning algorithms for real-world autonomous driving. The work supports Kodiak’s autonomous trucking platform through robotics problem-solving, production-level software development, and potential deployment of code on autonomous trucks.

What you'll do

• Receive mentorship from robotics engineers
• contribute to the autonomous trucking platform
• design and implement solutions to robotics problems
• work with a production-level codebase, focusing on modern C++
• and gain hands-on experience with tools and methods used in robotics and autonomous vehicles. Intern projects may include highway merges, lane changes, and low-speed behavior in industrial operations.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

motion planning intern

winter 2027

autonomous vehicles

autonomous trucking

robotics

c++

python

mountain view ca

kodiak

12–16 weeks

january 2027 start

competitive pay

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• free catered lunch
• dog-friendly office
• competitive pay.

Why this role

Applicants must be pursuing a degree at an accredited university and be a junior, senior, or graduate student. Strong C++ and Python skills and knowledge of kinematics, linear algebra, calculus, optimization, computational geometry, and motion planning are sought. Potential opportunities for full-time roles are mentioned.

About the employer

Kodiak is hiring for this role. Industry: Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing. Sector: 33.