Staff Technical Program Manager, VnV and Release - Autonomy & Robotics

As a Staff Technical Program Manager at DoorDash, your primary responsibilities include managing the validation and verification (VnV) processes for autonomous systems, overseeing software release for public use, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance last-mile delivery solutions. This involves ensuring that projects progress on track, from initial engineering concepts to validated public road readiness.

To qualify for the Staff Technical Program Manager role at DoorDash, you will need a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in engineering disciplines such as robotics, mechanical, electrical, or computer science. Additionally, having over 8 years of experience in program management and a strong understanding of autonomy feature validation strategies is crucial for success in this role.

DoorDash promotes innovation in autonomous delivery technology by enabling teams to develop and manufacture advanced autonomous delivery robots. As part of the Staff Technical Program Manager position, you would be involved in shaping the future of door-to-door delivery services, leveraging cutting-edge methodologies and extensive collaboration across various engineering domains.

Staff Technical Program Managers at DoorDash primarily use program management tools like Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, MS Project, and Google Workplace applications to track progress, manage team efforts, and ensure streamlined workflows across projects. Familiarity with these tools is essential for effective project management.

The work environment for a Staff Technical Program Manager at DoorDash is collaborative and innovative, situated within a hybrid framework that encourages teamwork while providing flexibility. By working closely with diverse teams—from software to operations—you'll actively contribute to exciting projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere and comprehensive employee benefits.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've managed, highlighting your role in ensuring that deadlines were met, resources were allocated efficiently, and potential risks were mitigated. Emphasize your familiarity with engineering concepts, technical terminology, and how you have worked cross-functionally with different teams, similar to the environment at DoorDash.

Discuss your methodology when it comes to validating and verifying autonomous systems. Highlight any past experiences that showcase your strategic planning and execution in testing autonomous features, especially in varied environments. Make sure to align your response with the goals of DoorDash's projects in automation.

In your response, outline specific strategies you employ, such as regular check-ins, shared project management tools, or collaborative frameworks. Touch on your experience in fostering relationships across disciplines, ensuring effective communication, and resolving conflicts as they arise, showcasing your ability to bridge gaps between teams.

Explain your approach to identifying bottlenecks, communicating with stakeholders, and restructuring priorities to get back on track. It's beneficial to share a real-life example where you successfully navigated a delay, demonstrating your problem-solving and leadership skills in maintaining project momentum.

Share your extensive experience working with the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including which stages you’ve directly been involved with, such as planning, development, testing, and deployment. Discuss how you ensure alignment on project objectives and track progress across these phases, particularly in a fast-paced tech environment like at DoorDash.

Provide a detailed account of a specific project you managed, including your objectives, the challenges faced, and how your leadership contributed to its success. Underscore the innovation or improvements brought about by this project, connecting it to how similar efforts could benefit DoorDash.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning through reading industry publications, participating in webinars, and engaging with professional networks. Mention any specific sources or forums (like industry conferences or workshops) where you gain insights, showing your enthusiasm for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field.

Elaborate on the importance of agile methodologies in maintaining flexibility and responsiveness during project development. Divide your response into how you apply agile principles in practice, perhaps providing an example from a previous role, affirming how adaptability can drive successful outcomes at DoorDash.

Explain your prioritization process, which may include evaluating the urgency and impact of various tasks, consulting with stakeholders, and leveraging project management tools to visualize timelines. Provide a succinct example illustrating your effectiveness in managing competing deadlines, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion based on DoorDash's values. Discuss ways in which you ensure all voices are heard and valued, such as promoting open communication and actively seeking diverse perspectives in project teams, which fosters innovation and engagement.