Lead Mechanical Engineer – Custom Automation Equipment

CKC Automation, LLC; Benicia (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; 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, headquartered in Benicia, CA, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of custom automation equipment from concept through delivery. You will own system architecture, detailed design, build support, and customer acceptance for your projects.

This high-ownership role also covers applications engineering, scope development, and cost estimation to translate customer needs into deliverable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 7–10+ years in custom automation, special machinery, or engineered-to-order equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
• Strong understanding of machine design and mechanical systems.
• Experience with applications engineering, quoting, or estimating, and the ability to develop accurate cost estimates and technical scopes.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring engineers.
• Hands-on experience supporting builds, debugging, and resolving real-world issues.
• Background in robotics, motion control, pneumatics, or mechatronics.
• Strong decision-making skills with a high level of accountability and ownership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of custom automation equipment (concept through release).
• Define system architecture and design strategy across projects.
• Perform engineering calculations (stress, motion, thermal) and verify.
• Ensure compliance with safety and manufacturability standards.
• Provide technical mentorship to engineers.
• Own and deliver projects from quote through delivery.

Skills

Robotics & automation

Motion control

Pneumatics

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

CKC Automation, headquartered in Benicia, CA, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of custom automation equipment from concept through delivery. You will own system architecture, detailed design, build support, and customer acceptance for your projects.

This high-ownership role also covers applications engineering, scope development, and cost estimation to translate customer needs into deliverable solutions.