Restaurant Maintenance Technician - S. Nashville, TN

Whataburger Restaurants; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base pay $38/hr, weekly pay

Bonus program

Company vehicle and gas card

5 weeks PTO on day one

Paid holidays and parental leave

401(k) match up to 4%

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Disability benefits

Career development opportunities

Scholarship program

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking a Restaurant Maintenance Technician to diagnose, repair, and restore HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen systems across multiple restaurants. You will respond to service calls, prioritize repairs, and document activities to SLAs while traveling in your assigned region.

The role requires at least a year of field HVAC/refrigeration experience, EPA/CFC certification, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year field experience in HVAC and commercial refrigeration.
• EPA or CFC Certification.
• Ability to travel locally and long distances, including air travel.
• Strong communication with restaurant leadership and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair kitchen equipment, HVAC, and refrigeration.
• Respond to service calls and emergency maintenance needs.
• Complete and document repairs per work orders and SLAs.
• Manage work orders, service documentation, and parts inventory using company systems.

Skills

HVAC systems

Commercial refrigeration

Electrical repairs

Carpentry

Plumbing

Communication skills

Customer service

On-call readiness

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

EPA or CFC Certification

Tools

CMMS or mobile service-ticket systems

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers! Areas of Support: Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Antioch.

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

• 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

• Base compensation $38/hr; paid weekly
• Bonus Program
• Company Vehicle, Gas Card, Cell Phone, and Laptop
• 5 weeks of PTO Starting on Day One
• 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 also 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

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

Eligibility rules may apply to specific benefits

1835 Old Fort Pkwy Murfreesboro TN 37129-3364

People make the difference at Whataburger. We take pride in our work, take care of each other and love serving our customers. Join our family and we’ll work hard to instill values and skills that will serve you well no matter where your journey leads.