Design Project Captain

DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANTS

Job Title: Design Project Captain

Compensation: $92,300 - $115,000 Annual Salary

The base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range and other factors during the hiring process.

Location: Remote, with ability to work on-site at the Din Tai Fung - Corporate Office in Arcadia, California as needed.

About Us:

Din Tai Fung, a globally acclaimed culinary icon renowned for the art of Xiao Long Bao, is on a mission to create first-class dining experiences through its unwavering commitment to excellence in food, service and ambiance. Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958 by Bing-Yi Yang and his wife, Pen-Mei Lai, Din Tai Fung was reborn into a humble dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today, the Michelin-recognized restaurant brand continues to be family-owned and passed down through generations, with more than 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide.

Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become synonymous with quality and consistency and known for its warm hospitality and delicacies with authentic flavors. Entering the North America market in 2000, the restaurant brand opened its first U.S. location in Arcadia, California and has 16 locations to-date, offering an upscale yet inviting cultural dining experience. With each restaurant, each interaction, and each bite, DTF aims to bring people together to inspire appreciation of culture.

Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts through BenefitHub
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance (accrued based on length of service)
• Paid Sick Leave (PSL) to care for your health or loved ones
• Quarterly Wellness Days - extra time off to recharge every season
• Bonus Eligible
• Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within
  
  
  

About the Role:

The Architectural & Interior Design Project Captain plays a key role in the successful design and execution of Din Tai Fung’s restaurant projects across North America. This individual contributor role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, and vendors. A key responsibility will be the coordination of design intent documents with the Architect of Record (AOR), MEP, and structural engineers to ensure accuracy, constructability, and alignment with Din Tai Fung’s brand and operational standards. To design & create cohesive, functional, and visually compelling dining environments. The role requires a strong grasp of architectural design, interior detailing, construction documents, and project coordination.

Responsibilities:

• Developing design intent documents for proposed NRO's and remodel
• Coordination of design intent document with outside consultants and vendors
• Attend OAC calls on behalf of design and construction
• Brand review of proposed construction documents and shop drawings
• Test fit development and pre-schematic design development
• Cross functional collaboration between key cross functional partners
  
  
  

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in architectural or interior design roles, preferably in hospitality, restaurant, or retail sectors.
• High proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office; SketchUp or other visualization tools a plus.
• Proven experience in coordinating construction documents and working with external consultants across disciplines.
• Strong understanding of building codes, ADA requirements, and restaurant-specific operational needs.
  
  
  

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with multi-unit restaurant or retail rollouts.
• Knowledge of Asian design aesthetics or familiarity with Din Tai Fung brand and customer experience.
• LEED accreditation or sustainability experience is a plus.
  
  
  

Essential Functions:

• Support the end-to-end design process for new restaurant projects, from schematic design (SD) through design development (DD), construction documents (CD), construction administration (CA), and project closeout.
• Prepare detailed drawings, diagrams, and presentations using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
• Manage communication with external consultants including architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers, and local permitting agencies.
• Review and redline construction documents, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and constructability.
• Participate in site visits, construction administration, and punch walks to maintain design integrity during build-out.
• Oversee FF&E specifications, sourcing, and procurement support in collaboration with procurement and operations.
• Identify and help resolve design or construction issues proactively.
• Maintain a repository of design documentation, including CAD/Revit files, finish schedules, fixture details, and brand standards.
• Maintain internal documentation, including drawing templates, design guidelines, and the digital materials library.
  
  
  

Special Requirements:

• Travel to construction sites approximately 20% or as needed
  
  
  

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Din Tai Fung is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Fair Chance Initiative.

Din Tai Fung is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – M/F/D/V. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As part of our hiring process, Din Tai Fung uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows employers to compare information from an employee's Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This verification confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. Din Tai Fung complies fully with all Equal Employment Opportunity laws, ensuring no discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status. Din Tai Fung is committed to employing only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States and who comply with applicable immigration and employment law. As a condition of employment, every individual must provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and legal authority to work in the United States. If the employee cannot verify their right to work in the United States within the time permitted by laws, the Company will be required to terminate their employment immediately. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Flexible work from home options available.