NPI Manager
About Doodle Labs
Doodle Labs is a fast-growing technology company building high-performance wireless communications for the drone and unmanned systems ecosystem. Our technology enables reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity across airborne and mobile robotic platforms operating in complex environments.
We partner directly with leading drone OEMs, robotics companies, and defense organizations to deliver advanced networking solutions that power the next generation of autonomous systems. Our mission is to make connectivity for autonomous machines as reliable and ubiquitous as the internet itself.
About the Role
The NPI Manager will lead the development and execution of Doodle Labs’ New Product Introduction (NPI) function, ensuring complex hardware and software products move from concept to production with speed, rigor, and predictability.
In this role, you will establish the operational framework that enables cross-functional teams—including engineering, quality assurance, product management, operations, and sales—to successfully deliver new products. You will design and implement scalable development processes, lead program execution across multiple concurrent initiatives, and provide leadership visibility into program health and risk management.
This position plays a critical role in building the operational discipline required to scale Doodle Labs’ product portfolio across global defense and commercial markets.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement a structured NPI operating framework including stage-gate processes, governance models, and standardized program tracking
- Lead end-to-end execution of multiple concurrent product development programs across hardware and software teams
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between Engineering (HW/SW), QA, Product, Operations, and Sales
- Establish clear program reporting and risk management processes to provide visibility into milestone progress and execution challenges
- Implement structured change-control processes to minimize late-stage development disruptions
- Develop scalable program management playbooks, templates, and documentation standards
- Build and grow the NPI function, including defining roles, hiring team members, and developing best practices
- Partner with contract manufacturers (CMs) to ensure smooth product transition from development to production ramp
- Lead launch readiness reviews to ensure products meet engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements prior to release
- Serve as the operational interface between engineering leadership and executive management
What Success Looks Like
- A standardized NPI framework implemented across all active product development programs
- Improved on-time milestone achievement and cross-functional execution alignment
- Clear program visibility through structured reporting, risk management, and escalation processes
- Reduced late-stage engineering changes and smoother transitions into manufacturing
- A scalable NPI function with defined roles, processes, and repeatable execution frameworks
- Predictable product development timelines aligned with company growth objectives
Who You Are
- Experience building or scaling New Product Introduction (NPI) or technical program management functions in a hardware-focused organization
- Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional technical programs across engineering, product, and operations teams
- Experience implementing structured development frameworks such as stage-gate or similar product lifecycle processes
- Strong understanding of hardware product development and manufacturing environments
- Experience managing contract manufacturers and production ramp activities
- Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to design scalable operational processes
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence technical and executive stakeholders
- Highly organized with strong execution discipline in fast-paced environments
Why Join Doodle Labs
- Work on cutting-edge technology powering the future of autonomous systems
- Collaborate with engineers and innovators building industry-leading connectivity solutions
- Make a meaningful impact in a fast-growing company shaping the next generation of robotics and wireless networking
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
Doodle Labs designs and produces industrial-grade wireless networking solutions. The company focuses on mesh networking for robotic systems, providing high throughput, long-range Mesh Rider solutions for UAVs, UGVs, AMRs and other robotic applications. The company’s Helix Mesh Rider Radio was developed with sponsorship from DIU and is the Blue UAS program’s datalink of choice. Doodle Labs was named one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies 2024," checking in at no. 2 in the Robotics category. Doodle Labs was founded in 1999 and has offices in the United States and Singapore.
Why Work With Us
We are a fast-growing team working with some of the leading innovators creating the technology of the future. Our radios are being used to advance the development and deployment of robotics in various industries. It's been an exciting past few years and we're eager to bring on like-minded people to help us continue to build this company.
Gallery
Doodle Labs Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
We are a hybrid team- our employees not in state are remote while our local Los Angeles natives are in office 5 days per week.
.png)
