Manager, RD Engineering

Panda Restaurant Group; Rosemead (CA); Hybrid; USD 112,500 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401K with company match

Yearly bonus opportunity

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site fitness center and wellness

Restaurant and gym discounts

PTO 15 days + 7 holidays

Education assistance

Disability/Life/AD&D insurance

Bereavement leave

Benefits for eligible FT associates

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group, a leading family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept, seeks a Manager, RD Engineering (MEP) to lead and mentor RD engineers in designing and implementing optimized MEP and HVAC systems for restaurants. You will drive technology, vendor partnerships, and cross‑functional collaboration to boost safety, energy efficiency, and operational excellence.

The role emphasizes team development, oversight of equipment design, and coordination with Operations and external

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; PE preferred or equivalent MEP/HVAC expertise.
• Minimum five years in MEP/HVAC with increasing management responsibility.
• Food Handler’s Card obtained within 30 days of employment.
• Training including safety, harassment prevention, inclusion, and related programs.

Responsibilities

• Leads and conducts MEP drawing reviews with cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Reviews HVAC/R systems for design, code compliance and operational needs.
• Researches and implements new technology to improve kitchen equipment and systems for safety, energy efficiency and cost savings.
• Evaluates and improves equipment performance, design standards, documentation, and operational safety.
• Develops Panda's proprietary equipment with external vendors while complying with codes and regulations.

Skills

MEP engineering

HVAC

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE license preferred

Job description

Summary of Job Description

The Manager, RD Engineering (MEP) helps lead the research, design, and implementation of new and optimized kitchen equipment, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems, and HVAC solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and code compliance. This position leads, develops, and coaches RD engineers, ensuring high-quality customer service to Operations, building strategic long-term relationships with vendors and MEP contractors, and cultivating strong partnerships with cross‑functional teams.

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. Assists 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.

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 (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.

Work Environment

• Office conditions; travel to equipment shows, stores and vendors: up to 20%. Potential for international travel.

Pay Range

Pay Range: M2: $112,500 - $158,000 / Annual

• Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Panda Strong Since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family‑owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're Wanted Here

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to [e-mail].