Equipment Engineer

What You’ll Be Serving Up:

The Equipment Engineer is responsible for reimagining, leading, and managing transformational BOH and MOH automation initiatives across KFC’s global system. This role drives the strategy, development, and deployment of automated and connected equipment solutions that fundamentally improve restaurant productivity, consistency, food quality, safety, and team member experience. Success in this role directly enables next‑generation restaurant operations and long‑term system profitability.

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

BOH/MOH Automation & Transformation Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Own and lead end‑to‑end BOH and MOH transformation projects, with a strong emphasis on automation, from concept development through global deployment.
• Reimagine restaurant workstations, equipment layouts, and operating models by integrating automated, semi‑automated, and connected equipment solutions.
• Translate operational challenges into scalable automation roadmaps that improve throughput, labor efficiency, safety, and product quality across diverse markets.
• Serve as the engineering project owner for automation initiatives, managing scope, timelines, risks, and cross‑functional alignment.

Engineering Strategy Execution (60-70%)

• Execute the global engineering and automation strategy in alignment with KFC standards and regional needs.
• Customize automation and equipment solutions to address specific BMU and market constraints while maintaining global scalability.
• Define and monitor automation‑related KPIs (e.g., productivity, reliability, adoption, ROI) and lead continuous improvement initiatives with BMUs and franchisees.
• Engage senior franchisee leadership to build confidence and adoption of automation‑driven transformations.
• Lead vendor engagement, engineering reviews, pilots, and field tests for automated and next‑generation equipment solutions.

Growth Accelerators & Next‑Generation Restaurants (15–20%)

• Lead engineering and automation efforts supporting Growth Accelerators and future restaurant concepts.
• Drive BOH and MOH equipment innovation that supports new formats, digital fulfillment, and evolving service models (Drive‑Thru, In‑Restaurant, Delivery).
• Partner with Digital and Technology teams to ensure automation solutions are integrated with restaurant systems, data platforms, and support tools.
• Advance equipment connectivity and data capture to enable smarter operations, predictive maintenance, and improved support experiences.

Engineering Strategy Development (10–15%)

• Co‑develop forward‑looking BOH/MOH automation strategies aligned with KFC’s innovation, growth, and labor evolution goals.
• Identify, pilot, and scale emerging automation and equipment technologies that improve efficiency, safety, sustainability, and team member experience.
• Lead the development and deployment of global training and change‑management approaches to ensure successful adoption of automation solutions.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with global and regional equipment manufacturers to accelerate innovation readiness.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering degree preferred; MBA a plus.

What You Bring to the Table:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering degree preferred; MBA a plus.

Experience:

• 5+ years of engineering experience, preferably in restaurant equipment, automation, or complex operational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large‑scale, cross‑functional transformation projects, including automation and new technology deployment.
• Strong systems thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven experience translating strategy into executable solutions across multiple markets.
• Ability to influence and align stakeholders without direct authority, including franchisee leadership.
• Comfort leading through ambiguity, innovation, and change.
• Strong communication and executive‑level storytelling skills.

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.