Restaurant Maintenance Technician - Houston, TX and Surrounding Areas

whataburger; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 4,822,000 - 6,199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base pay $38/hr

Company vehicle and gas card

5 weeks PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) match 4%

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Disability benefits

Career development opportunities

Scholarship program

Tablet and phone provided

Discounted meals

Wireless service discounts

Computer/software discounts

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking a Restaurant Maintenance Technician to diagnose and repair HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment across multiple restaurants in Pasadena and the Houston area. This field-based role requires full-time availability, travel across the region, and on-call rotation.

You will partner with restaurant leadership to ensure uptime and safety, while maintaining inventory and documenting repairs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair kitchen equipment, HVAC, refrigeration, and beverage systems.
• Support on average 10 restaurants and 42 hours per week.
• Respond to service calls and emergency maintenance to restore equipment and facility functionality.
• Manage work orders and parts inventory using company systems.
• Coordinate and supervise third-party vendors when work is outsourced.
• Maintain a clean, organized company vehicle, tools, and work area.
• Travel across assigned markets region as needed.

Skills

HVAC systems

Troubleshooting

Communication

On-call readiness

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

EPA or CFC Certification

State-licensed Mechanical Contractor or Journeyman license (where applicable)

CFESA certification

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Areas of Support: Pasadena, Houston, Baytown, Pearland, New Caney

Welcome to Whataburger Careers!

Your Recipe for Impact - What You'll Do

As a Restaurant Maintenance Technician, you keep our restaurants running safely and reliably by diagnosing issues, completing repairs, and restoring equipment and facilities to proper operation across HVAC, commercial refrigeration, kitchen systems, and building components. You ensure work orders are completed accurately, efficiently, and on time to support smooth restaurant operations.

You Make a Difference by minimizing downtime and protecting company assets, Serve with Heart by delivering high-quality, safe, and precise workmanship that supports Family Members and contributes to great guest experiences, Win as One by communicating clearly and partnering with Restaurant and MSC Leadership, and Move Forward Boldly by using sound judgment, adapting to new technologies, and maintaining organized inventory to deliver effective solutions.

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

As a Restaurant Maintenance Technician, you will:

• Support on average 10 restaurants.
• Work an average of 42 hours per week.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair commercial kitchen equipment, HVAC, refrigeration, and beverage systems.
• Respond to service calls and emergency maintenance needs to restore equipment and facility functionality.
• Complete and document repairs in accordance with work order priority and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Total ownership of the restaurant from curb to curb.
• Perform interior and exterior restaurant repairs, including basic carpentry, plumbing, and intermediate electrical work.
• Manage work orders, service documentation, and parts inventory using company systems and mobile technology.
• Communicate effectively with restaurant leadership, maintenance team leadership, and vendors on repair status and next steps.
• Coordinate and supervise third-party vendors when work is outsourced for cost, timing, or expertise.
• Maintain a clean, organized company vehicle, tools, and work area.
• Support restaurant operations during after-hours, on-call, or urgent repair situations, as needed.
• Comply with all company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory standards.

The Sauce - Pay & Perks

As a Restaurant Maintenance Technician, you will receive:

• Base compensation $38/hr; paid weekly
• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
• Company Vehicle and gas card provided
• 5 weeks PTO
• 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
• Tablet and phone provided
• 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

What You Bring to the Table - Required Experience

As a Restaurant Maintenance Technician, you must have:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (or equivalent work experience).
• Ability to work full-time hours, with on-call rotation once a month, and ability to travel both locally and long distances (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations.
• 1+ year of field experience in HVAC and commercial refrigeration.
• 1+ year of experience repairing commercial kitchen equipment or equivalent technical education.
• EPA or CFC Certification.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, and commercial kitchen equipment systems.
• Basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and intermediate electrical repairs.
• Ability to prioritize reactive service work, troubleshoot complex issues, and meet SLA timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with restaurant leaders, vendors, and the general public.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Whataburger MVR standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and safely work on ladders and rooftops.

Extra Toppings - Desired Experience

As a Restaurant Maintenance Technician, we prefer you to have:

• HVAC state-certified license.
• CFESA certification.
• State-licensed Mechanical Contractor or Journeyman license (where applicable).
• Experience supporting multi-unit or restaurant environments.
• Prior experience in building trades or facilities repair.
• Familiarity with CMMS or mobile service-ticket systems.
• Ability to provide guidance or technical support to other technicians based on experience level.

Where & How You'll Work

This role is field based, supporting restaurants across an assigned market or region. You'll travel frequently to partner with Operations, provide onsite support, and maintain strong relationships with leaders and teams in the field. Success in this role requires full-time availability, flexibility to adjust to evolving operational priorities, and the ability to travel regularly including day trips, overnight travel, and extended market visits. While most travel will occur within your assigned market or region, some out-of-market support may be required based on business needs.

Candidates must reside within the region they support and be able to travel throughout that area as needed.

Our Flavor - Why Whataburger

Whataburger isn't just a fast-food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts - and where potential doesn't just grow, it heats up. Whether you're leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to Make a Difference.

Since 1950, we've invested in people who lead with integrity, Serve with Heart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and Winning as One - because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you're ready - to learn, grow, impact, and Move Forward Boldly - we've got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law. Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

*Eligibility rules may apply

3939 Red Bluff Rd Pasadena TX 77503-3603