Panda Express Careers | Asian-Inspired Restaurant Jobs

A lot of people stop in for a bowl of Orange Chicken or a quick plate of chow mein, but what many don’t realise is that Panda Express Careers offer a serious opportunity for growth, flexibility, and long-term success. Whether you’re grabbing a meal at the food court or passing by a standalone store on your commute, there’s a chance that the location is hiring and looking for someone ready to step into a fast-paced, team-driven environment. With restaurants spread across malls, airports, street corners, and universities, it’s a brand that’s constantly growing.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for Panda Express jobs, understanding the culture, checking your application status, and deciding whether it’s a good fit for you. Whether you’re curious about entry-level kitchen jobs, interested in leadership roles like assistant or general manager, or exploring corporate positions, we’ll break it all down clearly. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get started or how far you can grow with the company, this guide is your complete walkthrough.

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Panda Express Careers | In-Store Food Service Opportunities

Overview of the Company

Panda Express was founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has since become the largest Asian-inspired fast food chain in the United States. With thousands of locations nationwide and international expansion underway, it’s grown far beyond its humble start as a single restaurant in California. Known for blending traditional Chinese flavours with quick-service convenience, the brand is a go-to option for millions of customers each year.

The company operates under the broader Panda Restaurant Group, which includes other concepts, but Panda Express remains the flagship. While its most famous menu items are crowd favourites like Beijing Beef and Honey Walnut Shrimp, what really drives the business forward is operational consistency and a people-first approach. From kitchen staff to executive leadership, the brand focuses on personal development, daily improvement, and a strong internal culture.

Types of Jobs 

Panda Express offers a range of positions that go beyond the standard restaurant roles. A few of them are:

Restaurant Team Members

These are the individuals who handle daily service. Whether they’re preparing meals, serving customers, or keeping the kitchen running smoothly, their work directly shapes the guest experience.

• Kitchen Team Member
  The kitchen team prepares meals in real time, working with fresh ingredients and maintaining food safety standards. They manage grill and wok stations, control cooking temperatures, and follow exact recipes.
• Front Counter Associate
  These team members handle the customer-facing side of things. They welcome guests, explain menu items, prepare combo orders, pack takeout bags, and operate the register.
• Utility Team Member
  Utility roles include dishwashing, sweeping, garbage removal, and supporting the kitchen with food prep during peak hours.

Shift Leadership

Shift leads play a vital role in guiding daily operations while still participating hands-on in store activities. They’re usually promoted from within and often serve as a stepping stone into full-time management.

• Service and Kitchen Lead
  This hybrid role helps manage both the front and back of the house. Leads ensure orders are accurate, food is prepared to standard, and the team stays on schedule.
• Team Trainer
  Trainers guide new employees through company expectations, menu knowledge, safety practices, and customer service basics. They serve as mentors and help prepare team members.
• Shift Coordinator
  Shift coordinators are responsible for managing store activities during assigned hours. They assign roles, resolve issues, and make sure that team members rotate properly between stations.

Restaurant Management

Managers are responsible for people, performance, and overall store success. They balance team development with guest satisfaction, financial goals, and adherence to company standards.

• Assistant Manager
  Assistant managers support the general manager by overseeing daily staffing, coaching team members, and resolving customer feedback. They also help track food costs, labour budgets, and service times.
• General Manager
  The GM is fully responsible for a restaurant’s operations. They hire, train, and evaluate team performance, manage budgets, analyze store metrics, and lead weekly meetings to keep the team focused.
• Area Coach
  An area coach oversees multiple stores within a region. They support store managers, provide feedback, ensure consistent operations, and implement updates from the corporate office.

Corporate and Office-Based Roles

At Panda’s Support Center in California and through remote offices, corporate teams handle everything from supply chain and analytics to HR, branding, and legal compliance.

• Recruiting Coordinator
  Recruiting staff, posting job listings, scheduling interviews, managing candidate records, and assisting with onboarding logistics. They also handle communication with hiring managers across the country.
• Financial Analyst
  This role involves reviewing sales trends, forecasting revenue, managing budgets, and supporting major investment decisions. Analysts work across multiple departments and provide financial insights.
• IT Support Technician
  These team members maintain systems used in stores and corporate departments. They troubleshoot register software, manage internet and device issues, and coordinate updates.

Panda Express Support Center (Corporate HQ)

Located in Rosemead, California, this is the headquarters for big-picture planning. Teams here work on long-term brand building, real estate growth, and culture development.

• Menu Innovation Coordinator
  This role works with culinary leadership to research trends, test new recipes, and gather customer feedback from test markets. They help manage timelines for menu rollouts and product development.
• Real Estate and Development Assistant
  These employees assist in site selection, market analysis, and lease negotiation. They research demographics and foot traffic data to support expansion planning.
• Leadership Development Assistant
  This training-focused position helps design programs that prepare employees for career growth. They work with HR and store leadership to roll out workshops and track employee progress.

Delivery and Catering Services

With growing demand for takeout and large-group orders, these roles make sure food reaches customers beyond the restaurant floor.

• Catering Driver
  Drivers handle bulk order delivery for corporate events, school functions, and private parties. They’re trained to handle large loads, verify items, and provide timely, polite delivery service.
• Catering Prep Associate
  Prep associates work early shifts to prepare bulk trays, label packaging, and help coordinate kitchen workflow for catering orders.
• Online Order Facilitator
  This employee prepares digital orders placed through third-party apps or the company website. They manage order timing, packaging, and hand-off to drivers or pickup customers.

Internships and Early-Career Programs

Panda Group invests in developing young professionals with real work experience across restaurant and corporate departments.

• Restaurant Operations Intern
  Operations interns rotate through front-house, back-house, and leadership tasks. They gain insight into customer service, food quality, and store-level reporting.
• Corporate Intern – Marketing Track
  This intern works on digital campaigns, tracks engagement metrics, supports brand storytelling, and attends meetings on company-wide strategy.
• Leadership Development Trainee
  This program is designed for college graduates or rising leaders within the company. It combines classroom learning, mentorship, and hands-on training in multiple departments.

Benefits & Salary

Let’s talk about the real-world side of the job. Salary is competitive in the industry, but it’s the benefits that surprise most people, especially part-time staff. Here’s a look at what most employees get:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time workers
• Paid time off, plus holiday pay where applicable
• 401(k) savings options and stock purchase plans
• Internal training and development paths
• Flexible scheduling for students or second-job seekers
• Free on-shift meals and discounted menu pricing on off-shift

Pay Scale:

• Front Counter: $13 to $16 an hour
• Kitchen Team: $14 to $17 hourly
• Assistant Manager: $52,000 to $60,000 yearly
• General Manager: $70,000 to $90,000 yearly
• Corporate Entry Roles: $50,000 to $65,000 yearly

Eligibility Criteria

Panda Express welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. Depending on the role and location, certain requirements apply, especially for management and corporate positions. Below is a breakdown of what candidates can expect to meet before applying.

Minimum Age Requirement

Most in-store positions require applicants to be at least 16 years old. This includes entry-level roles such as kitchen team members and front counter associates. Some locations, particularly those that serve alcohol or operate late hours, may require employees to be 18. Leadership roles like assistant or general manager generally require candidates to be 18 or older due to their responsibility level and scheduling authority.

Education Requirements

Entry-level restaurant positions typically do not require a diploma or a formal degree. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED may have an advantage during the hiring process, but it’s not a strict requirement. For corporate, finance, IT, or support center positions, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is usually expected. Some roles also ask for certifications, such as food handler permits or safety training, especially for leadership and kitchen-heavy jobs.

Work Eligibility and Documentation

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. As part of onboarding, new hires are required to complete federal employment eligibility verification forms and provide valid identification. This process includes submitting documents that prove both identity and the legal right to work. It follows federal E-Verify procedures to ensure compliance with all employment laws.

Availability and Flexibility

Since many Panda locations operate seven days a week, including evenings and holidays, having open availability can significantly improve your chances of being hired. While the company accommodates part-time schedules, those who can work nights, weekends, or peak shifts are typically prioritized. Management candidates are expected to offer broader availability, including early mornings and late-night closings.

Application Process for Panda Express Careers

Getting started with Panda Express Careers doesn’t take much more than a stable internet connection and a few spare minutes. The entire process is handled online, from browsing openings to submitting your application. See the given steps.

1. Start by heading to the official Panda Careers website, where you can explore openings across the restaurant, management, and support centre departments. Additionally, you can refer to Indeed and LinkedIn.
2. Once you find a job that fits, you’ll need to create a quick profile using your email and a password. This account allows you to track your applications and receive updates.
3. After setting up your account, you’ll be directed to the application form. The questions are simple and mostly focused on your availability, experience, and interest in the role.
4. Upload your resume, or manually enter past jobs, and indicate what days and shifts you’re available. Also, share why you’re interested in the role.
5. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirming that it’s been received. From there, you can log in through the careers login page to check the status of your application.
6. If a manager is interested, they’ll typically follow up by email or phone within a week or two. Most updates are sent to the email connected to your account.
7. If your application matches the store’s current needs, you’ll be invited to an interview. This might be a one-on-one in the store, or a brief phone call first, especially for higher-level roles.

Summary

Panda Express is more than a food chain. It’s a place where people get hired, trained, and promoted without needing years of experience or a corporate background. Whether you’re stepping into your first restaurant job or aiming to lead multiple stores one day, the structure, support, and upward movement are real. From competitive pay and shift meals to leadership tracks and full-time benefits, the company makes room for growth. If you’re looking for work that keeps you active, supported, and heading somewhere, this guide gives you all the info you need to start smart.

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