Restaurant Maintenance Technician - W Austin, TX and Surrounding Areas

Whataburger Restaurants; United States; On-site; USD 92,354,000 - 125,306,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Gas card provided

5 weeks PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision

Disability benefits

Tablet and phone provided

Discounted meals

Career development

Job summary

Whataburger Restaurants is seeking a Field-based Restaurant Maintenance Technician to diagnose, repair, and restore HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen systems across our Austin-area restaurants. You’ll manage work orders, coordinate with leadership, and ensure safety and uptime with a strong emphasis on quality workmanship.

This role requires travel within the region, on-call rotation, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs while maintaining a spotless vehicle and tool set.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
• 1+ year field experience in HVAC and commercial refrigeration.
• EPA or CFC certification.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, and commercial kitchen equipment.
• Basic carpentry, plumbing, and intermediate electrical repair skills.
• Ability to prioritize reactive service work and meet SLAs.
• Clear communication with restaurant leaders, vendors, and the public.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet MVR standards.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on ladders/roofs.

Responsibilities

• Support on average 10 restaurants.
• Work 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 functionality.
• Complete and document repairs per work orders and SLAs.
• Total ownership of the restaurant from curb to curb.
• Perform interior and exterior repairs including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Manage work orders, service documentation, and parts inventory using company systems.
• Communicate with restaurant leadership, maintenance team leadership, and vendors.
• Coordinate and supervise third-party vendors when outsourcing.
• Maintain a clean, organized company vehicle, tools, and workspace.
• Support operations during after-hours, on-call, or urgent repairs.
• Comply with safety policies and regulatory standards.

Skills

Travel willingness

HVAC/refrigeration knowledge

Carpentry/plumbing/electrical basics

Clear communication

Valid driver’s license

Lift 50 lbs

On-call rotation readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

1+ year field experience HVAC/refrigeration

EPA or CFC certification

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers! Area of Support: Austin, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Round Rock

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 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

• 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. 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 6301 W Parmer Ln Bldg 3 Austin TX 78729-6801 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.