Manager Restaurant Development Engineering (MEP)

Job Responsibilities

• Leads and conducts MEP drawing reviews and works with cross-functional teams and vendors to gain alignment on appropriate system designs.
• Reviews and oversees HVAC/R systems to ensure proper design, code compliance, and alignment with operational needs.
• Researches, designs, develops, and implements new technology and optimized kitchen equipment and equipment systems that enhance quality, consistency, safety, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluates and improves the performance, design standards, documentation practices, reliability, and operational safety of all restaurant equipment and small wares.
• Develops Panda's proprietary equipment in collaboration with external vendors and consultants, complying with applicable codes and regulations to deliver operational benefits.
• Manages technical aspects of equipment design, including prototyping, testing, validating production, installation, and training.
• Leads and develops a team of engineering professionals, coaching them to support company growth strategies and future initiatives, including overseas markets.
• Affords assistance to Engineering leadership with recruitment and retention of department staffing.
• Collaborates with Operations and field supporting teams on design and implementation of equipment and process improvement.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align with the Company's broader business initiatives and goals, and negotiates with vendors to ensure cost-effective, high-quality production, warranty coverage, and services.
• Researches, collaborates, and negotiates with global vendors on cost-effective and high-quality production of new or modified equipment and small wares.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline) required; Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or demonstrated equivalent MEP/HVAC engineering expertise.
• Minimum five years of relevant work experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment, with increasing management responsibility.
• 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.