Test Kitchen and Engineering Operations Coordinator

KFC; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity for professional growth

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

KFC in Plano, Texas, is hiring for a role focused on maintaining the KFC Global Test Kitchen's readiness and hygiene. This position involves managing kitchen operations, food safety, and equipment effectively while ensuring a clean environment.

Ideal candidates must have experience in food preparation, strong attention to detail, and the ability to lift 50 lbs. A high school diploma is required, and ServSafe certification is preferred. This role offers a competitive salary and a collaborative work environment geared towards growth.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in a restaurant or food preparation environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and cleanliness standards (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and handle kitchen equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and functional kitchen environment.
• Ensure timely food preparation and equipment management.
• Support product evaluations and manage inventory and supplies.

Skills

Experience in a restaurant, catering or food preparation environment

Understanding of food safety and cleanliness standards

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

What You Will Be Serving Up

Own day‑to‑day readiness of the KFC Global Test Kitchen and adjacent engineering workspace by maintaining a safe, sanitary, audit‑ready environment and ensuring equipment, smallwares, and ingredients are available, functional, and properly stored. This role enables on‑time product evaluations, demos, and development work through disciplined execution of food safety, allergen controls, inventory rotation, and timely escalation of maintenance or supply risks.

Here's How You Will Spice Things Up

Kitchen Operations & Equipment Management (50%)

• Maintain an audit‑ready test kitchen and engineering workspace (prep, dish, storage, coolers/freezers) with clear organization standards and daily reset.
• Own dishwasher station readiness and throughput to ensure same‑day turnaround of clean wares while meeting sanitation standards.
• Ensure equipment and smallwares are clean, functional, and staged for use; perform basic cleaning/maintenance and elevate repairs with clear issue descriptions.
• Own walk‑in cooler and freezer organization, temperature checks, labeling, and FIFO inventory rotation; flag quality risks and out‑of‑spec conditions immediately.
• Own par levels for ingredients, packaging, disposables, and cleaning supplies; place orders, receive deliveries, and maintain accurate on‑hand counts.
• Support product evaluations and development work by setting up and breaking down kitchen stations and evaluation areas.
• Pull chicken from freezer for controlled thawing; execute marination according to procedures.
• Prepare breading flour; set up breading tables; bread and cook chicken to support evaluations and food demonstrations.
• Support food demos, tastings, and small events, including prep, service assistance, and cleanup.
• Execute food safety, sanitation, and allergen controls (cleaning schedules, date marking, and temperature logs) and take immediate corrective action when standards are not met.
• Assist with sensory panels, product cuttings, and evaluation planning (sample prep, labeling, flow, and teardown).
• Support waste reduction efforts and flag inventory or quality risks to test kitchen leadership.
• Serve as a day‑to‑day partner to the Test Kitchen Manager and developers by communicating kitchen readiness, constraints, and priorities.

Engineering Operations & Equipment Management (40%)

• Set up and break down kitchen equipment in accordance with operational and safety standards.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain equipment to KFC food safety and quality requirements; document completion when required.
• Perform routine readiness inspections (cleanliness, function, safety) before use; tag out and elevate non‑conforming equipment.
• Coordinate equipment scheduling and staging to meet evaluation timelines and operating hours; proactively surface constraints and trade‑offs.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment issues and elevate maintenance needs as required.
• Maintain work/test areas to a defined daily reset standard and ensure critical cleaning supplies and smallwares are in‑stock to support planned work.

Logistics, Deliveries & Equipment Returns (10%)

• Receive and verify deliveries against orders; ensure correct storage, labeling, and prompt issue escalation for shortages/damage.
• Prepare equipment for return shipment (clean, disassemble, protect, and package) to prevent damage and ensure complete kits.
• Coordinate equipment pickup and returns with internal team and external partners.
• Maintain accurate equipment and inventory records (status, location, custody) to support audits, returns, and replenishment decisions.

What You Bring To The Table

• 1‑3 years of experience in a restaurant, catering or food preparation environment
• Experience with commercial kitchen equipment and sanitation practices preferred
• Strong understanding of food safety and cleanliness standards (ServSafe certification preferred)
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and handle kitchen equipment safely
• Positive team‑oriented mindset and effective communication skills
• Ability to stand on your feet for extended periods of time and move freely
• High school diploma or equivalent

What’s In It For You

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to innovate within a global brand and make a significant impact.
• Collaborative, fast‑paced work environment with a focus on professional growth and development.

Salary Range: $47,000 - $55,000 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job‑related factors.