Engineering Manager, Ads Marketplace (ML)

As an Engineering Manager for the Ads Marketplace at DoorDash, your key responsibilities will include leading a dedicated team of machine learning engineers, collaborating with product managers to define technical roadmaps, nurturing a culture of analytical thinking, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the team. You'll also be tasked with overseeing the development of innovative ad products while ensuring that the needs of consumers and advertisers are met.

To be considered for the Engineering Manager role with DoorDash, candidates are typically expected to have an M.S. or PhD in Computer Science or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in building production machine learning systems. Leadership experience managing teams of 6 or more members and strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration are also essential. Familiarity with the ads domain is a plus, but not a strict requirement.

An Engineering Manager at DoorDash will have a direct impact on the Ads Marketplace by driving innovative machine learning solutions that enhance ad delivery and effectiveness. They'll collaborate with diverse teams to identify marketplace needs and develop ad products that cater to different consumer segments, thereby increasing engagement and advertiser satisfaction which ultimately contributes to DoorDash’s growth.

The Ads Marketplace team at DoorDash prides itself on fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. We emphasize diversity and encourage team collaboration, analytical rigor, and innovative thinking. Our focus is on creating an environment where all members feel empowered to grow personally and professionally while contributing unique perspectives to tackle challenges in the fast-paced ads marketplace.

While specific experience in the ads domain is considered advantageous, it is not mandatory for the Engineering Manager position at DoorDash. What truly matters is your experience in machine learning and leadership capabilities, along with a strong foundation in technical development to help drive our initiatives in the ads marketplace.

In responding to this question, you might want to highlight your commitment to mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment. Discuss specific practices you utilize to support your team's growth, such as regular one-on-one meetings, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging open communication. This demonstrates your approach to developing a diverse and skilled engineering team.

When asked about this topic, you can discuss your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on project goals and business objectives. Mention how you utilize data and analytics to inform your decisions, ensuring that the roadmap is not only ambitious but also achievable and beneficial to the overall business strategy.

In your answer, focus on a project where you faced specific challenges, such as resource limitations or tight deadlines. Discuss the strategies you employed to navigate these obstacles, including collaborating with stakeholders, prioritizing tasks, and fostering team morale, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills.

To answer effectively, share examples of how you cultivate an innovative culture, such as encouraging brainstorming sessions, allocating time for team members to work on personal projects, or implementing recognition programs for creative contributions. Emphasize how these strategies lead to tangible benefits for the team and company.

This question is an opportunity to share your conflict resolution skills. Highlight your approach to addressing conflicts, such as facilitating open discussions to understand each party’s perspective, finding common ground, and working together to reach a consensus. This showcases your commitment to maintaining a constructive team dynamic.

You could mention specific resources, conferences, or communities that you engage with to keep your skills relevant. Additionally, sharing how you encourage your team to participate in learning opportunities shows your proactive approach to professional development and the importance of continuous learning in technology.

Here, you can discuss specific projects where you led machine learning systems through deployment phases, highlighting the tools and frameworks used, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Providing concrete examples will help establish your credibility and technical proficiency.

Express your strong belief in the value of diverse teams, detailing how various perspectives enhance creativity and innovation. Share initiatives you may have led or been part of that promote inclusion, demonstrating your commitment to fostering an equitable workplace.

In your response, emphasize the metrics and KPIs you utilize to evaluate success. This could include customer satisfaction scores, performance metrics of machine learning models, or improvements in ad engagement. Articulating a data-driven approach to measuring project success reinforces your analytical capabilities.

To answer this effectively, express your enthusiasm for DoorDash's mission of empowering local economies and how your values align with the company’s goals. Mention your eagerness to contribute to the innovative work being done in the Ads Marketplace and how you envision making a significant impact in this role.