Manager Restaurant Development Engineering (MEP)

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

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Yearly bonus

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

On-site fitness center

Discounts at Panda restaurants

Paid time off

Education assistance

Income protection

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group is seeking a Manager, RD Engineering (MEP) to lead the research, design, and implementation of kitchen equipment and MEP systems, ensuring safety, code compliance, and efficiency. You will coach RD engineers, build vendor partnerships, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive operational improvements.

You will oversee design reviews, drive innovation in equipment systems, and manage a team of engineers, with travel up to 20% and potential international

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; 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 store training, sexual harassment prevention, Conscious inclusion, etc.).
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.
• Office conditions; travel up to 20%; potential for international travel.

Responsibilities

• Leads MEP drawing reviews with cross-functional teams and vendors to align on system designs.
• Reviews HVAC/R systems for proper design, code compliance, and operational needs.
• Designs, develops, and implements new equipment and systems to improve quality, safety, energy efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Evaluates and improves performance and documentation of restaurant equipment and small wares.
• Develops Panda’s proprietary equipment with external vendors while complying with codes and regulations.
• Manages prototyping, testing, and training related to equipment design and installation.
• Leads and coaches a team of engineers, assisting with recruitment and retention.
• Collaborates with Operations and field teams on design and process improvements.
• Negotiates with vendors for cost‑effective, high‑quality production, warranties, and services.
• Engages with global vendors on production of new or modified equipment.

Skills

MEP design

HVAC systems

Project leadership

Vendor coordination

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

PE license preferred

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

• 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

*Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Qualifications & Requirements

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

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

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

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].