Platform Engineering Director

Our Flavor — Why Whataburger

Whataburger isn’t just a fast-food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts — and where potential doesn’t just grow, it heats up. Whether you're leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to Make a Difference.

Since 1950, we’ve invested in people who lead with integrity, Serve with Heart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and Winning as One — because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you're ready — to learn, grow, impact, and Move Forward Boldly — we’ve got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Your Recipe for Impact — What You’ll Do

As a Platform Engineering Director, you will lead the strategy and execution of scalable, secure, and resilient technology platforms that power exceptional customer and team experiences. You’ll make a difference by advancing cloud modernization, strengthening platform reliability, and driving innovation that keeps Whataburger moving forward.

You’ll Serve with Heart by building high-performing teams and creating engineering environments where people can do their best work. You’ll Win as One by partnering across business and technology teams to deliver seamless, high-impact solutions that support our restaurants and customers. And you’ll Move Forward Boldly by championing modern DevOps practices, automation, and continuous improvement to elevate our digital capabilities and accelerate business outcomes

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Platform Engineering Director, you will:

• Lead platform engineering, digital operations, and quality engineering functions supporting scalable solutions
• Design and oversee secure, cloud-native platforms for high-volume applications and APIs
• Drive Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and automation-first engineering practices
• Advance cloud modernization initiatives across core platforms and infrastructure
• Improve platform scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency through cross-functional partnership
• Establish quality engineering strategies, automated testing, and release readiness standards
• Oversee site reliability, observability, incident management, and disaster recovery practices
• Build and lead high-performing teams, including coaching, performance management, and workforce planning
• Drive Agile delivery, governance standards, vendor partnerships, and technology investment decisions
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across engineering teams

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Platform Engineering Director, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Relocation package provided
• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
• 5 weeks PTO
• Flex Weeks
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave*
• 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*
• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Wireless Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and recognition for all you do
• Retirement Celebration Program

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

As a Platform Engineering Director, you must have: 

• 10+ years of experience in engineering, platform, or digital operations roles
• Proven leadership experience building and developing high-performing technical teams
• Expertise in cloud platforms, cloud-native architecture, and platform scalability
• Strong background in DevOps practices, including CI/CD, automation, and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with site reliability engineering, observability, and incident response
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and large-scale technology initiatives
• Strong understanding of Agile delivery methodologies and engineering governance
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Platform Engineering Director, we prefer you to have: 

• Experience leading cloud modernization or digital transformation initiatives at scale
• Background in high-volume, customer-facing platforms (e.g., retail, QSR, or e-commerce)
• Familiarity with API strategy and enterprise integration patterns
• Experience implementing advanced quality engineering and automated testing frameworks
• Knowledge of vendor management and external partner collaboration models
• Exposure to cost optimization and FinOps practices in cloud environments
• Relevant cloud or DevOps certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working on‑site Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. In this role, you’ll have strong collaboration with leadership, across cross-functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities. The work environment is fast‑paced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Full‑time availability is required, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along with occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law. Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

*Eligibility rules may apply

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903