Lead Platform Engineer

Why Whataburger

Since 1950, Whataburger has been about more than just burgers. It’s about investing in leaders who serve with heart and make a difference every day. We believe in bold leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Platform Engineer, you’ll shape the future of restaurant technology by leading architecture and modernization efforts, driving automation, and improving platform standards. You’ll also evaluate emerging technologies and partner with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and modernization of restaurant technology platforms
• Define platform standards for security, resiliency, observability, and deployment
• Drive automation strategies that improve scalability and operational efficiency
• Lead enterprise technology initiatives with broad business impact
• Evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into practical solutions
• Establish validation, testing, and production-readiness frameworks
• Oversee platform integrations, vendor deliverables, and technical quality
• Influence technology roadmaps, architecture decisions, and engineering standards
• Partner with Product, Operations, Infrastructure, Security, and vendor teams
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization
• Guide proof-of-concepts, pilot programs, rollouts, and production stabilization
• Champion continuous improvement across platform engineering practices
• Perform additional duties as assigned

The Sauce

• Pay & Perks
• Competitive Weekly Pay Bonus Program
• 5 weeks PTO
• Flex Weeks
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits
• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
• Wireless Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and recognition for all you do
• Retirement Celebration Program

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 6+ years of platform engineering, systems engineering, or related experience
• Experience designing and supporting enterprise technology platforms
• Experience with cloud platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure
• Experience with APIs, system integrations, and distributed applications
• Experience implementing automation and deployment frameworks
• Knowledge of platform security, resiliency, and operational best practices
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives from design through deployment
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Ability to influence technical decisions across cross-functional teams
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills

Desired Experience

• Experience supporting restaurant, retail, or multi-site technology environments
• Expertise in Microsoft Azure architecture and cloud modernization
• Experience with AI-enabled tools, automation platforms, or intelligent agents
• Experience with data platforms, analytics, Power BI, or Microsoft Fabric
• Experience establishing platform governance and engineering standards
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert, DevOps Engineer Expert, or related certifications
• ITIL, Product Delivery, Agile, or other relevant certifications
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical communities of practice