Engineering Manager, DashPass Access Benefits - job 1 of 2

An Engineering Manager at DoorDash plays a crucial role in leading a team focused on developing DashPass Access Benefits. Key responsibilities include defining the technical vision, collaborating with cross-functional teams, optimizing member experiences, and ensuring the systems built are reliable and scalable. You will guide engineers, tackle business challenges with innovative solutions, and manage both the technical and operational aspects of projects.

To be considered for the Engineering Manager position at DoorDash, candidates should possess a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Science or an equivalent field along with a minimum of 7 years of industry experience and at least 2 years in a management role. Furthermore, strong communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with non-technical stakeholders as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

At DoorDash, career growth is a priority. As an Engineering Manager, you will have ample opportunities for professional development through hands-on coaching, mentorship, and collaboration with high-impact projects. DoorDash actively encourages its leaders to recruit, retain, and develop engineering talent, ensuring that you can grow and evolve with the company while making significant contributions to the team.

As an Engineering Manager in the DashPass team, you'll work on projects that enhance the subscription experience for users. This includes developing new Access Benefits, optimizing existing features, and collaborating to deliver innovative solutions that align with business objectives. Your work will significantly shape how millions of subscribers engage with our services.

The team culture at DoorDash is dynamic and inclusive, emphasizing leadership, collaboration, and innovation. As an Engineering Manager, you'll find a stimulating environment where ideas are valued, and everyone is encouraged to dig in and tackle challenges head-on. We believe in fostering a supportive community that drives our success through diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

As an Engineering Manager, prioritization is key to success, especially in a fast-paced environment like DoorDash. I assess project urgency, impact on business objectives, and team capacity. Open communication with stakeholders helps clarify priorities, ensuring the team focuses on critical tasks that drive the most value. I also encourage team input to foster alignment and shared ownership.

In my previous roles, managing a technical team involved not only overseeing project deliverables but also fostering team growth and development. I held regular one-on-ones to understand personal goals, organized team-building activities, and provided mentorship to navigate technical challenges. Building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is also crucial for team success.

To communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders, I simplify complex technical concepts into relatable language and visuals. I ensure to actively listen to their concerns and align our technical solutions with their business goals, fostering collaboration and ensuring transparency throughout the project. Regular updates and check-ins also help maintain clarity.

When conflicts arise within my engineering team, I encourage open dialogue to understand different perspectives. I facilitate discussions that focus on problem-solving rather than assigning blame. Mediation ensures that we work toward a resolution that benefits the project and maintains team cohesion, ultimately enhancing collaboration and understanding moving forward.

My recruitment process includes identifying team needs, setting clear qualifications, and promoting an inclusive environment that attracts diverse talent. For development, I focus on mentorship, providing growth opportunities, and encouraging participation in challenging projects to enhance skills. Continuous feedback helps foster professional growth and retention.

Keeping a team motivated and productive involves recognizing individual and team contributions, celebrating achievements, and providing opportunities for professional development. I encourage a balance between collaborative projects and personal tasks, allowing each engineer to take ownership of their work. Regular team check-ins help gauge morale and address any concerns promptly.

Setting goals and KPIs for my engineering team involves first understanding the broader company objectives. I collaboratively identify measurable, realistic targets that align with these goals while considering the team's capacity. Regular reviews assess progress, allowing for adjustments as needed to keep the team motivated and on track toward achieving our objectives.

To keep abreast of industry trends and advancements, I regularly participate in tech meetups, webinars, and conferences. Engaging with peer networks and reading industry publications also helps. Encouraging my team to share insights and knowledge fosters a culture of learning that keeps us innovative and competitive.

A significant technical challenge I faced involved scaling the existing architecture to accommodate increased user demand. I initiated a root-cause analysis, collaborating with the engineering team to brainstorm solutions, ultimately implementing microservices that improved scalability and performance. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork and proactive problem-solving.

Feedback is fundamental to my management style. I promote a culture where both giving and receiving constructive feedback is valued. Regular feedback sessions help identify areas of improvement and reinforce positive practices, creating an environment where team members feel empowered to share their views and develop continuously.