Test Kitchen & Engineering Operations Coordinator

KFC • Plano, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• ServSafe certification

Responsibilities

• 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 escalate 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.
• 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 escalate nonconforming equipment.
• Coordinate equipment scheduling and staging to meet evaluation timelines and operating hours; proactively surface constraints and tradeoffs.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment issues and escalate 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED