Cessna 402/402C/B379 Businessliner/Utiliner
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During climb out; upon reaching 7;000 feet; I noticed smoke in the cockpit. At that time; I performed the memory items associated with that issue. I then relayed to Approach that we would be leveling off at 7;000 feet and requested direct 'ZZZZZ' [intersection] for the RNAV XX back in ZZZ. We also relayed that we were experiencing smoke in the cockpit. After coordination with ZZZ1 Approach; ZZZ OPS and the ZZZ Airport OPS we returned to the field without incident. We were met by the applicable trucks and rescue staff at our pre-planned point. We then did an emergency evacuation; per the checklist. I believe there was an electrical issue in the Captain's circuit breakers.
First Officer reported an air turn back after smoke was detected during climb out.