Equipment Engineer

What You’ll Be Serving Up:

As an Equipment Engineer, you are responsible for executing and supporting KFC’s equipment strategy across multiple Business Market Units (BMUs). Your role ensures that restaurant equipment supports operational efficiency, maintains high food quality and safety standards, and contributes to overall business performance. Success in this position directly impacts system reliability and profitability.

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

Engineering Strategy Execution (80%)

• Execute the Strategic Engineering Roadmap, aligning with global standards and regional needs.

• Customize and implement equipment solutions to address specific BMU and market challenges, ensuring operational continuity.

• Monitor key equipment performance indicators (KPIs) and lead continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with BMUs and franchisees.

• Engage directly with senior franchisee leadership to build alignment, gain buy-in, and ensure smooth adoption of engineering initiatives.

• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to validate new and enhanced equipment through engineering reviews and the development and management of field-testing programs.

Engineering Growth/Accelerator (10%)

• Lead engineering efforts for Growth Accelerators in regions/BMUs

• Drive ongoing Back-of-House (BOH) design and equipment development for next-generation restaurants.

• Partner with Digital and Technology teams to optimize service standards and operations (i.e., Drive-Thru, In-Restaurant & Delivery).

• Innovate new equipment solutions to support brand growth, providing end-to-end support from ideation and development through production global implementation.

• Drive equipment connectivity through MOH/BOH equipment to restaurant management and support technologies.

Engineering Strategy Development (10%)

• Co-develop forward-looking engineering strategies with Global Operations that align with KFC’s innovation and expansion goals.

• Identify, pilot, and scale emerging equipment technologies that improve efficiency, food quality, sustainability, and safety.

• Lead deployment of global equipment training programs in partnership with BMUs to ensure capability and consistency.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with regional suppliers and manufacturers to support innovation and market readiness.

What You Bring to the Table:

Education: 

• College degree required; Engineering degree preferred; MBA a plus.

Experience: 

• 5+ years of engineering experience, preferably in restaurant equipment.

• International professional experience preferred. 

• Demonstrated safety-first mindset.

• Strong technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

• Proven track record in:

  • Developing end-to-end solutions (cooking equipment expertise preferred).

  • Cross-functional collaboration and project management.

  • Strategy execution leading to sustained growth.

  • Effective franchisee collaboration.

  • Ability to lead through ambiguous and emerging scenarios.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

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: $107,000 - 120,000 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.