Staff Technical Program Manager - Autonomy & Robotics

As a Staff Technical Program Manager at DoorDash, you'll oversee the development and management of innovative software solutions for our autonomous delivery robots. Your role includes interfacing between multiple teams - from operations and hardware to software and safety - ensuring cross-functional collaboration and timely delivery of projects.

A successful candidate for the Staff Technical Program Manager position at DoorDash should hold a B.S., M.S., or PhD in engineering disciplines like robotics or computer science. An impressive background with 8+ years in engineering and program management is essential, as well as familiarity with program management tools such as Jira and Confluence.

In this role, the Staff Technical Program Manager will lead projects focused on the development and optimization of autonomous delivery robots, including simulation and mapping software. You'll drive the project from concept through to real-world deployment, ensuring all safety and operational requirements are met.

Key skills for the Staff Technical Program Manager role at DoorDash include a deep understanding of the software development life cycle, strong program management abilities to navigate complex, cross-functional projects, and excellent communication skills to report on progress to executive leadership.

DoorDash is dedicated to the professional development of its Staff Technical Program Managers by offering a variety of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to advanced project management tools that aid in career advancement and skill enhancement.

At DoorDash, the work environment for a Staff Technical Program Manager is dynamic and innovative. Collaboration is key, with daily interactions with diverse teams including engineers, product leads, and operational staff, all committed to pushing the frontiers of delivery technology.

The base salary for a Staff Technical Program Manager at DoorDash ranges from $171,600 to $252,400, depending on various factors like experience and location. The compensation package is competitive and includes equity grants and comprehensive benefits.

When discussing your experience, focus on specific projects you've managed, detailing the cross-functional teams you worked with, challenges faced, and how you ensured successful delivery within time and budget constraints.

To effectively prioritize, I evaluate the impact of each task on project goals, communicate regularly with stakeholders for updates, and leverage project management tools to keep visibility on progress while being adaptable to any changes.

Ensuring robust collaboration involves establishing clear communication channels, regular check-in meetings with all stakeholders, and fostering a culture of openness. I often initiate collaborative workshops to clarify goals and address any ambiguities.

I measure the success of a project based on predetermined KPIs such as the speed of delivery, adherence to budget, stakeholder feedback, and the final product’s performance against initial specifications.

When discussing a challenging project, share a specific instance where you faced significant hurdles, outline the steps you took to overcome them, and highlight the successful outcomes that resulted from your leadership.

My approach to risk management involves identifying potential risks at the start of the project, developing mitigation strategies, and establishing a monitoring system to track risk factors throughout the project lifecycle.

I actively engage with industry publications, attend relevant conferences, participate in online forums, and connect with peers in the industry to stay informed on the latest trends in robotics and autonomy.

A TPM plays a vital role in optimizing last-mile delivery solutions by guiding the integration of autonomy features with operational workflows, ensuring technology aligns with real-world applications, and monitoring the performance of systems post-deployment.

Managing diverse teams involves recognizing the unique strengths of each team member, promoting an inclusive environment, and ensuring clear communication of project goals so that everyone is aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

I find tools like Jira for tracking progress, Confluence for documentation, and Smartsheet for project planning invaluable in facilitating an organized and streamlined approach to program management.