A Mechanical Engineer researches, designs, develops, constructs, and tests mechanical devices including machines, engines and tools. Works on devices ranging from power generators to household dishwashers to surgical equipment. May specialize in a particular type of machine or tool. May develop new devices or improve existing ones to run more efficiently.
Senior Mechanical Engineer CKC Automation LLC Benicia, CA Job Details Full-time $140,000 - $170,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Cost management Fabrication Customer communication Project development phase management 3D modeling software Machine troubleshooting Equipment troubleshooting 3D modeling for product design Managing design projects Cost analysis Mentoring Cost estimate preparation Managing projects Mechanical troubleshooting Debugging Production troubleshooting
Full Job Description Description:
About CKC Automation 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:
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
Website:
ckcautomation.com About this Role On-Site As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the mechanical design and execution of custom automation equipment from concept through delivery. Mechanical engineering is the core of this role — you will own system architecture, detailed design, build support, and customer acceptance for the projects you're responsible for. You will also bring applications engineering experience to the table, contributing to scope development, cost estimating, and proposal support as needed to help translate customer requirements into technically sound, deliverable solutions.
This is a high-ownership role:
you're expected to stand behind your designs and your numbers, and to carry that accountability through the full project lifecycle. What You'll Do Mechanical Engineering Design & Execution 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 Applications Engineering, Quoting & Estimating 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 Project Ownership & Delivery 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 Customer & Cross-Functional Leadership 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 Continuous Improvement & Standards Improve quoting accuracy, design standards, and engineering processes Develop technical documentation and best practices Drive improvements in cost, reliability, and performance
Requirements:
What We're Looking For Required Qualifications 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
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
