Lead Controls Engineer - Robotics & Machine

CKC Automation LLC; Benicia (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

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 in Benicia, CA is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer (Robotics and Machine) to spearhead the design, development, testing, and installation of control systems for industrial environments. You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and project teams, and provide technical leadership while assisting Sales with project quotes and material estimates.

This role focuses on delivering safe, high‑quality automation solutions using PLCs, robotics, and custom

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in EE/CS/SE/Mech or related field.
• 3–10 years of experience with two or more of PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, VFDs, motion control, or panel design.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead control systems projects from requirement gathering through maintenance.
• Program and integrate robots and automation for industrial environments.
• Lead project meetings and manage schedules with customers and teams.
• Assist Sales with reasonable project cost and labor estimates.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA systems

robotic systems

VFDs

motion control

control panel design

Education

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

Tools

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

Profinet

IO-Link

DeviceNet

Job description

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 hands-on with cutting-edge PLC, robotics, and automation systems
• Own high-visibility, technically challenging automation projects from concept through commissioning
• Mentor other engineers and help shape technical standards and best practices
• Grow toward greater project ownership and technical leadership as you deliver results

About the Role

We’re hiring a Lead Controls Engineer (Robotics and Machine) to spearhead the design, development, testing, and installation of control systems for industrial environments — primarily industrial robots and custom automated machinery.

This role requires a solid understanding of machine and robot design and programming concepts. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, controls engineers, and project managers, to develop control systems tailored to client needs. You’ll mentor junior engineers, provide technical leadership, and drive the development of best practices across projects. You’ll also assist Sales during the project quoting phase by providing reasonable time estimates for labor and cost estimates for materials.

Requirements

Project & Technical Leadership

• Lead the execution of control systems projects, from requirement gathering, design, and development through testing, deployment, and maintenance
• Program and integrate industrial robots into automated control systems, including motion coordination and safety systems
• Lead project meetings on a weekly or as-needed basis with customers and internal teams
• Issue and maintain project schedules, advising management and customers when there are schedule issues

Design & Development

• Design and develop software for custom automated machines, industrial robots, and other industrial control systems
• Identify control system components and develop a Bill of Materials to meet project requirements
• Understand panel layout drawings and electrical schematics
• Specify process instrumentation; install, commission, and maintain systems at CKC and in client facilities

Mentorship & Best Practices

• Mentor junior engineers, provide technical leadership, and drive the development of best practices across projects
• Evaluate new technologies and tools that could enhance the company’s offerings
• Pursue skills and/or certifications on mainstream platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Beckhoff, Ignition, AVEVA, and GE

Operational Execution

• Complete project management tasks such as billings, hours reports, forecasts, and budget management on time
• Ensure that projects are completed within scope, timeline, and budget, while maintaining high quality standards and high customer satisfaction
• Consistently and reliably communicate status updates on assigned tasks to team members, project managers, and customers
• Acknowledge communications within 4 business hours
• Spend at least 85% of working hours on billable work
• Write clear documentation for customers and team members

Sales & Business Support

• Support Sales with reasonable project cost and labor estimates during the proposal process
• Encourage dormant or unresponsive customers with follow-up communications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 3–10 years of experience, with two or more of the following: PLC programming, HMI programming, SCADA systems, robotic systems, VFDs, motion control, and control panel design
• Knowledge of, or interest in, industrial processes, mechanical systems, and manufacturing equipment
• Understanding of networking and communication protocols, e.g., EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, IO-Link, DeviceNet
• Strong communication (oral, written, and listening) and collaboration skills
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with an aptitude for researching unfamiliar topics
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities

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

Salary: $100,000 – $135,000