Staff Technical Program Manager - Autonomous Robot Operations

As the Staff Technical Program Manager in Autonomous Robot Operations at DoorDash, you will be tasked with overseeing the management of our robot fleet operations. Your duties will include scaling the autonomous delivery fleet, improving operational metrics through data analytics, managing vendor relationships, and championing a culture of safety. Interfacing daily with cross-functional teams, you’ll ensure that all facets of fleet logistics and service operations run smoothly.

To be considered for the Staff Technical Program Manager role at DoorDash, you need a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 6 years in technical program management. Experience with autonomy operations, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage complex projects in dynamic environments are essential qualifications that will enhance your candidacy.

The Staff Technical Program Manager position at DoorDash operates under a hybrid model, requiring 1-2 days on-site at our Oakland facility each week. This setup allows for flexibility while ensuring collaboration with teams in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Occasional travel to our locations outside the SF Bay Area may also be part of your responsibilities, enhancing your engagement with the broader operations.

At DoorDash, Staff Technical Program Managers are positioned for significant career growth. With access to innovative projects in logistics technology and autonomy, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles, expand your technical knowledge, and contribute to high-impact initiatives that propel the company forward—empowering you to shape your career path.

The culture at DoorDash is built on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a Staff Technical Program Manager, you will thrive in an environment that encourages unique perspectives and problem-solving. DoorDash values the contributions of all team members, fostering a workplace where creativity flourishes and employees are supported in achieving their goals.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've managed, outlining the challenges faced, the strategies used to overcome obstacles, and the successful outcomes. Demonstrate your ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams and your familiarity with project management tools.

To effectively answer this question, discuss your experience with safety protocols and metrics related to robotic operations. Highlight your proactive approach in fostering a safety culture within teams and initiatives taken to enhance overall operational safety. Provide examples of how safety has been prioritized in your past work.

When addressing your experience with data analytics, share specific instances where you utilized data to inform decision-making or improve operational efficiency. Detail the tools you have used, the metrics you tracked, and how your data-driven insights led to successful project outcomes.

In your response, emphasize your experience in managing vendor relationships. Discuss your communication style, negotiation tactics, and how you maintain accountability and performance benchmarks. Provide examples of successful partnerships you've fostered in past roles.

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by sharing specific examples of how you've navigated ambiguity. Discuss techniques for organizing thoughts and prioritizing based on project goals. Highlight your flexibility and adaptability, useful traits in a rapidly changing environment like DoorDash.

Your response should reflect your understanding of autonomy in robotics. Discuss concepts you've worked with, their application in program management, and how they influence operational success in fleet management. Making connections to current DoorDash initiatives will showcase your industry knowledge.

Share a specific example that illustrates your collaborative skills, detailing the teams involved and the project goals. Highlight your communication techniques, conflict resolution skills, and how you ensured alignment and unity among diverse groups to achieve the project's objectives.

Discuss metrics and KPIs you track for program success, emphasizing the importance of data in assessing outcomes. Provide examples of how you’ve used these metrics to make informed decisions, iterate on processes, and improve overall effectiveness.

Highlight essential skills such as analytical thinking, fostering collaboration, technical acumen in robotics, and effective communication. Discuss how these skills contribute to driving project success and innovation within the operations.

Express your enthusiasm for DoorDash's mission, the innovative work in logistics technology, and the specific aspects of the Staff Technical Program Manager role that attract you. Linking your personal values with the company's goals will show genuine interest and align with DoorDash's culture.