Controls Engineering Manager

Controls Engineering Manager

CKC Automation transforms manufacturing processes through innovative automation solutions. Founded in 2005 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

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.

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

• 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 – $170,000

Target Bonus: $15,000 – $25,000

Total Target Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000