Director, Equipment Innovation

Summary Of Job Description

The Director of Equipment Innovation leads strategy and execution for operational equipment initiatives that improve efficiency and guest experience. This role drives the Automation Strategy, integrating advanced technologies to deliver measurable labor savings and performance gains. Responsibilities include overseeing equipment design, prototyping, testing, and implementation, while partnering with Supply Chain and Restaurant Development for production and deployment. The Director advises on innovation impacts, researches global trends, and collaborates with vendors and cross‑functional teams to develop cutting‑edge solutions aligned with company objectives.

• Provides strategic direction and leadership to prioritize, plan, and execute new operational equipment and products that enhance guest and associate experience and operational efficiency.
• Develops and maintains the company’s Automation Strategy, with focused efforts to incorporate automation equipment into store operations to increase efficiency and ease, delivering measurable savings in labor cost or increases in guest metrics.
• Participates in Concept Innovation Committee and works with cross‑functional partners to advise on the impact of innovations in products, layouts, or processes on the use of store equipment, while supporting innovation initiatives that require the development of new equipment.
• Responsible for the technical direction and coordination of all new equipment design initiatives, including prototype research, testing, and delivery. Collaborates with Supply Chain and RD to ensure effective production, delivery, installation, and training related to new or modified equipment.
• Researches and stays at the forefront of global industry developments and trends in equipment technology, working with Supply Chain to collaborate with global vendors in identifying or developing new equipment technologies.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams and innovation councils in supporting and aligning strategic initiatives.

• Hybrid remote schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On‑site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*
• Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required
• Minimum ten years of relevant work experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality environment
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay Range: M4: $161,000 - $226,000 / Annual

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family‑owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status.

Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to