Controls & Data Engineering Manager

CKC Automation LLC•Benicia, CA

1d•$160,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

CKC Automation is seeking a hands-on Controls & Data Engineering Manager to lead a team and contribute directly to project delivery. This role involves end-to-end responsibility for automation projects, from concept to commissioning, while also building and leading a team of engineers. The manager will work closely with engineering, project management, and sales to define solutions, solve problems, and ensure customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is proactive, results-oriented, and committed to high standards in both technical execution and team performance. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in a demanding environment where results are paramount.

Requirements

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)
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
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
Willingness to travel to customer sites for installation and commissioning
Flexibility to support off-hours or startup activities as needed

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.