Controls Engineering Manager

CKC Automation, LLC

Benicia (CA)

On-site

USD 145,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

CKC Automation, LLC in Benicia, CA is seeking a dynamic Controls Engineering Manager to lead complex automation projects from concept to commissioning. You'll work closely with engineering, project management, and sales teams to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have a background in controls engineering, leadership experience, and a strong technical skill set in PLC programming and SCADA systems. Benefits include competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive health plans.

Qualifications

10+ years in industrial automation / controls engineering.
3+ years in a leadership or management role.
Proven success delivering complex automation projects.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of Controls Engineers in a high-performance environment.
Deliver automation projects from concept through commissioning.
Drive on-time, on-budget, high-quality project delivery.

Skills

PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)

HMI Development (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)

SCADA Systems & Industrial Data Systems

Team leadership, coaching, and performance management

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field

Tools

VFDs, Motion Control, Servo Systems

Industrial Networking: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, IO-Link, DeviceNet

Job 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

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 no‑politics, 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 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 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