Senior Mechanical Engineer, Applications & Automation

CKC Automation LLC•Benicia, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

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: Custom Automated Equipment — Robotic workcells, build-to-print solutions, prototype equipment, and fixtures Control Panels — High-volume panel assembly from our UL 508A-certified panel shop Control Systems Integration — PLC, HMI, and robotic integration for optimized production Industrial Data Solutions — Real-time monitoring, analytics, and SCADA/data infrastructure Website: ckcautomation.com This role sits at the intersection of engineering and business impact. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Applications & Automation, you will be responsible for both defining what we build and ensuring it is successfully executed. Approximately half of your time will be spent on quoting, estimating, and scope development, translating customer needs into well-defined, technically sound, and commercially viable solutions. The other half will focus on mechanical engineering design and execution, owning those solutions through detailed design, build, and customer acceptance. This is a high-ownership role where you are expected to stand behind your numbers and your designs. You will influence project direction early, make critical technical and financial decisions, and carry that accountability through the full lifecycle. This is not a handoff environment, what you quote, you help deliver.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
7–10+ years of experience in custom automation, special machinery, or engineered-to-order equipment
Demonstrated experience in applications engineering, quoting, or estimating
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software
Strong understanding of machine design and mechanical systems
Knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication methods
Experience with material selection and cost drivers
Proven 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 concept development, feasibility analysis, and system architecture for custom automation solutions
Develop detailed scopes of work aligned to customer requirements and technical constraints
Prepare accurate cost estimates (materials, labor, fabrication, assembly, engineering hours)
Identify technical risks, assumptions, and gaps in proposals
Partner with sales and leadership to deliver competitive, technically sound solutions
Ensure continuity by owning and executing projects you quote
Lead mechanical design of custom automation equipment (concept through release)
Define system architecture and design strategy across projects
Perform/review advanced engineering calculations (stress, motion, tolerance, thermal)
Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety, and manufacturability
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers
Own scope, risk, cost, and execution across the full project lifecycle
Identify and resolve design, manufacturability, and performance issues
Support build, assembly, debugging, and system integration on the floor
Drive change management and cost/scope control
Lead customer design reviews and technical discussions
Serve as primary technical point of contact
Collaborate with controls engineering, electrical, manufacturing, and project management teams
Support FAT, SAT, installation, and post-delivery troubleshooting
Improve quoting accuracy, design standards, and engineering processes
Develop technical documentation and best practices
Drive improvements in cost, reliability, and performance