About the role
Description
About CKC Automation
CKC Automation transforms manufacturing processes through innovative automation solutions. Founded in 2005 (as CKC Engineering) and headquartered in Benicia, CA, we serve diverse industries across the Bay Area and West Coast — including automotive, medical device, pharmaceutical, energy, and semiconductor — combining deep technical expertise with creative problem-solving to tackle complex manufacturing challenges. We design and build custom automation solutions that improve efficiency, enhance quality, and drive innovation.
Our offerings include:
Machine
— Robotic workcells, build-to-print solutions, prototype equipment, and fixtures
Panel
— High-volume panel assembly from our UL 508A-certified panel shop
Controls / Data
— PLC, HMI, and robotic integration for optimized production. Real-time monitoring, analytics, and SCADA/data infrastructure
Website:
ckcautomation.com
Why Join Us
Get out from behind the desk—lead while staying hands-on with cutting-edge PLC, SCADA, and automation systems
Own and drive high-visibility, complex industrial automation projects that actually ship
Join a high-performance engineering team that values execution and accountability
Have a direct impact on technical direction, team growth, and business success
About the Role
We’re hiring a hands-on Controls & Data Engineering Manager who can lead a team and still dive into the work.
You’ll be responsible for delivering automation projects end-to-end—from concept through commissioning—while building and leading a team of strong engineers. This is not a passive management role. You’ll stay close to the work, make critical technical decisions, and step in when it matters.
You’ll work side-by-side, in person, with engineering, project management, and sales to scope solutions, solve real problems, and deliver results for customers. We’re looking for someone who moves fast, owns outcomes, and raises the bar for both technical execution and team performance.
If you thrive in environments where expectations are high and results matter, you’ll fit right in.
Requirements
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls & Data Engineers in a high-performance, accountable environment
Provide technical mentorship and career development across all experience levels
Allocate resources across projects based on skills, capacity, and priorities
Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and continuous improvement
Conduct performance evaluations, feedback, and development planning
Project & Technical Leadership
Oversee execution of multiple automation projects (PLC, SCADA, HMI) from concept through commissioning
Provide technical direction across system architecture, programming, testing, and startup
Review and approve control system designs, PLC code, and automation architectures
Lead key customer and internal technical discussions and project reviews
Resolve complex technical and project challenges
Operational Execution
Drive on-time, on-budget, high-quality project delivery
Manage resource planning, forecasting, utilization, and project margins
Oversee billing, hours tracking, and financial performance of projects
Ensure strong communication across engineering teams, project managers, and customers
Maintain ~50% billable utilization while leading the team
Sales & Business Support
Partner with Sales on project estimates, proposals, and scope development
Support pre-sales engineering and solution design
Identify growth opportunities, technology trends, and capability gaps
Build and maintain strong customer relationships, including re-engagement efforts
Technical Expertise & Innovation
Lead development using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, motion control, and industrial networks
Stay current on automation technologies, Industry 4.0 trends, and data integration
Drive adoption of new tools, standards, and engineering methodologies
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field
10+ years in industrial automation / controls engineering
3+ years in a leadership or management role (Controls Manager, Lead Engineer, Engineering Supervisor)
Proven success delivering complex automation projects (design commissioning)
Technical Skills
PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)
HMI Development (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)
SCADA Systems & Industrial Data Systems
VFDs, Motion Control, Servo Systems
Control Panel Design & Electrical Systems
Industrial Networking: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, IO-Link, DeviceNet
System Integration, Commissioning, Troubleshooting
Leadership Skills
Team leadership, coaching, and performance management
Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability
Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Additional Requirements
Willingness to travel to customer sites for installation and commissioning
Flexibility to support off-hours or startup activities as needed
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Base Salary:
$145,000 – $185,000
Target Bonus:
$15,000 – $25,000
Total Target Compensation:
$160,000 – $210,000