5+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment
Successful completion of required training programs
Valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment
Experience with kitchen equipment and technology optimization
Responsibilities
Contribute to research and development of kitchen equipment and technologies
Partner with Engineering leaders and teams to manage projects and timelines
Support evaluation of project testing results and provide actionable plans
Review MEP drawings and HVAC specifications for operational alignment
Collaborate on financial analysis to guide project decisions
Formulate reports with recommendations for senior review
Execute system-wide rollout of new equipment and small wares
Respond to service requests and resolve equipment-related issues
Guide team members on project processing procedures
Benefits
Hybrid remote schedule
401K with company match
Yearly bonus opportunity
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
On-site fitness center and wellness clinics
Discounts at Panda restaurants and theme parks
Paid time off starting at 15 days plus 7 federal holidays
Continuous education assistance and scholarships
Income protection including Disability and Life insurance
Bereavement leave
Full Job Description
Summary of Job Description:
The Senior Restaurant Development Engineer is responsible for contributing to the research, design, and testing of new technology and optimizing kitchen equipment to improve Operations food quality, achieve energy savings, value engineer products, and perform equipment performance and reliability studies. This position also mentors and guides other engineers to support their development.
Job Responsibilities:
Contributes to the research, evaluation, and development of existing equipment and new technologies that enhance quality, consistency, safety, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across Operations.
Partners with Engineering leaders and cross-functional teams to oversee projects, timelines, and collaborate with vendors and Operations.
Supports Engineering leaders in the collection, review, and evaluation of project testing results and actionable plans with cross-functional teams and Operations. Works with vendors to provide recommendations for optimization.
Supports review of MEP drawings and HVAC specifications to ensure alignment with equipment design and operational standards.
Collaborates with Engineering leaders and cross-functional teams on financial analysis and operational evaluations to guide project decisions.
Formulates reports with final recommendations for senior team review and approval.
Collaborates with cross-functional teams and executes system-wide rollout for any new equipment or small wares as assigned.
Responds to service requests, concerns, or special design needs from Operations for equipment-related projects. Engages and aligns with Operations and Facilities to resolve any equipment issues.
Guides Engineering team members on project processing procedures for equipment.
How we reward you:
Hybrid remote schedule
401K with company match
Yearly bonus opportunity*
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
Bereavement leave*
*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates
Your background & experience:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering required
5+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment
Successful completion of initial and periodically required training (including but not limited to store training, Recognizing & Preventing Sexual Harassment training, Conscious inclusion training, and Landmark Forum, etc.)
Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.
Work Environment:
Office conditions; travel to equipment shows, stores and vendors: up to 20%.
Pay Range: M2: $90,000 - $126,000 / Annual
* Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.
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About Panda Express
Panda Express is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in Chinese cuisine. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Rosemead, California. Panda Express operates over 2,000 locations in the United States and has a presence in several other countries. The company's menu includes a variety of dishes, including orange chicken, kung pao chicken, and chow mein. Panda Express is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
