Technical Program Manager

About the role

You will own and drive complex hardware and autonomy programs from concept to production, with cross-functional scope across mechanical, electrical, GNC, and firmware systems. You will lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts, managing build plans, integration milestones, and transfer to contract manufacturing while serving as the central node for coordinating design, manufacturing, validation, and supplier execution across multiple internal and external teams. You will define and track program timelines, critical paths, and risk mitigation strategies across all technical disciplines and partner with engineering leads to ensure technical decisions align with schedule and manufacturing constraints. You will communicate program status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders at both engineering and executive levels and help build robust manufacturing plans, including DFM/DFA alignment, pilot builds, and supply chain readiness. This role demands deep technical fluency, comfort in ambiguity, and a proven track record delivering high-stakes, multidisciplinary hardware programs that directly support the mission of enhancing last-mile logistics. You will play a mission-critical role in driving execution across cross-functional teams to improve efficiency for Dashers, merchants, and consumers as DoorDash scales to the next 10B deliveries.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Drive complex hardware and autonomy programs from concept to production, coordinating across mechanical, electrical, guidance, navigation, and control systems.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts by defining and enforcing rigorous development and manufacturing milestones and managing transfer to contract manufacturing.
• Serve as the central coordination point for design, manufacturing, validation, and supplier execution across multiple internal and external teams.
• Define and track program timelines, critical paths, and risk mitigation strategies spanning all technical disciplines and trade studies.
• Partner with engineering leads to ensure technical decisions are aligned with schedule, cost, and manufacturing constraints.
• Communicate program status, risks, decisions, and dependencies to stakeholders at both engineering and executive levels with clarity and precision.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing plans, including design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA), pilot builds, and supply chain readiness.
• Oversee build plans, integration milestones, and the execution of validation and test campaigns for robotic systems.
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics to ensure component availability, supplier performance, and production ramp readiness.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing program data, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing corrective actions.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment through structured reviews, gates, and decision-making frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements throughout the hardware development and production lifecycle.
• Manage dependencies and resolve cross-team issues to keep programs on schedule and within scope.
• Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external partners to unblock progress and maintain momentum.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in hardware program management, with a track record of delivering complex electromechanical or robotics systems into production.
• Deep understanding of hardware product development processes, including PLM, PDP, and NPI methodologies.
• Hands-on experience working with contract manufacturers, from early development builds through to high-volume production.
• Familiarity with a range of manufacturing processes including PCBA (SMT), injection molding, die casting, and complex system integration.
• Excellent technical fluency, capable of facilitating trade-offs and understanding implications across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and controls domains.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple workstreams, dependencies, and cross-functional stakeholders simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and reporting skills; able to deliver clarity and alignment in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Must be comfortable regularly exercising discretion and independent judgment in performing job duties, including evaluating options, making informed decisions, and determining appropriate courses of action within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing competing priorities and strict timelines.
• Willingness to engage with technical documentation, schematics, and build instructions to ensure accurate program execution.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with senior engineers, operators, and supply chain partners to achieve shared objectives.
• Readiness to travel as required for program reviews, manufacturing visits, and stakeholder meetings.

Nice to have

• Background in robotics, aerospace, or autonomy-focused product development.

Practical notes

• Willingness to travel as required for program reviews, manufacturing visits, and stakeholder meetings.
• This role is based in San Francisco, CA and may require travel.
• Must be able to exercise independent judgment and discretion in all aspects of the role.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role.