Senior Mechanical Engineer

CKC Automation LLC•Benicia, CA

5h•$140,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

CKC Automation is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and execution of custom automation equipment from concept through delivery. This role is central to mechanical engineering, involving ownership of system architecture, detailed design, build support, and customer acceptance. The position also requires applications engineering experience for scope development, cost estimating, and proposal support, translating customer requirements into technically sound solutions. It's a high-ownership role where individuals are expected to stand behind their designs and numbers throughout the project lifecycle.

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
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
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/review advanced engineering calculations (stress, motion, tolerance, thermal)
Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety, and manufacturability
Provide technical expertise and mentorship to engineers
Support concept development, feasibility analysis, and system architecture during the proposal stage
Contribute to scopes of work aligned to customer requirements and technical constraints
Prepare cost estimates (materials, labor, fabrication, assembly, engineering hours) as needed
Identify technical risks, assumptions, and gaps in proposals
Partner with sales and leadership on competitive, technically sound solutions
Own and execute projects you help quote
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