Doodle Labs is entering its next phase of scale. As we expand our robotics and wireless product portfolio across global defense and commercial markets, we need a leader who will build and operationalize a world-class New Product Introduction (NPI) function.
This role is not about tracking projects. It is about designing and enforcing the execution engine that ensures complex HW/SW products move from concept to release with speed, rigor, and predictability.
You will architect the NPI system, lead cross-functional execution, and create the operational discipline that enables Doodle Labs to scale without losing velocity.
- Within 30 days, conduct a full diagnostic of current product development workflows, interfaces (HW, SW, QA, Product, Operations, Sales), and execution gaps.
- Within 60 days, design a structured stage-gate NPI framework with clear entry/exit criteria, ownership matrix (RACI), risk management structure, and executive reporting cadence.
- Within 90 days, implement the NPI governance model across all active projects using a standardized project tracking system, ensuring 100% project visibility and milestone alignment.
Measure of Success: All active NPI programs are tracked under a unified framework with defined accountability and escalation paths.
- Own end-to-end NPI execution across multiple concurrent technical programs.
- Ensure alignment between Engineering (HW/SW), QA, Product, Operations, and Sales.
- Establish weekly and monthly executive reporting on program health, risks, and mitigation plans.
- Create structured change-control processes to reduce late-stage execution failures.
Measure of Success (6–12 Months): Measurable improvement in on-time milestone achievement and reduction in cross-functional execution gaps.
- Define the organizational structure required for scalable NPI execution.
- Hire and onboard critical NPI team members.
- Develop execution playbooks and standardized templates for program management and risk tracking.
Measure of Success (6 Months): A structured NPI organization with defined roles and repeatable processes.
- Implement structured change management to handle shifting priorities.
- Ensure NPI acts as an enabler, not a bottleneck.
- Introduce launch-readiness reviews to prevent downstream manufacturing and customer-impact issues.
- Partner with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to ensure smooth production ramp.
Measure of Success: Reduced late engineering changes and improved production handoff quality.
- Serve as the execution interface between Engineering leadership and executive management.
- Provide data-driven program visibility to support strategic decisions.
- Contribute to long-term scaling strategy of Doodle Labs’ product development organization.
Measure of Success (12 Months): Predictable, transparent product execution roadmap aligned with company growth objectives.
0–30 Days: Diagnose current processes, map cross-functional interfaces, establish project visibility.
30–60 Days: Design improved NPI governance model and standardize tracking/reporting.
60–90 Days: Implement NPI framework and launch executive reporting cadence.
By 6 Months: Fully operational NPI system with measurable execution improvements.
- Fast-growing technology company (US + Singapore footprint).
- High technical complexity (HW, SW, RF systems).
- Multiple concurrent programs.
- Rapidly evolving priorities.
- Direct exposure to executive leadership.
- Experience building or scaling an NPI or program management function in a hardware-driven organization.
- Proven leadership of complex cross-functional technical programs.
- Experience implementing structured development frameworks (stage-gate or similar).
- Ability to manage CM and production ramp challenges.
- Strong systems thinking, communication, and execution discipline.
- Architect the NPI system of a fast-scaling robotics and defense-tech company.
- Influence executive decision-making.
- Build a function from the ground up.
- Direct impact on product launch velocity and company growth.
Top Skills
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.
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