Company OverviewSapience Automation, a reputable provider of turnkey solutions for industrial automation, specializesin serving diverse industries such as automotive, medical, aviation, building products, generalindustrial, domestic appliances, and food. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Sapience iscommitted to fostering long-term customer relationships by consistently delivering excellence throughits skilled workforce, standardized processes, and passion for innovation. The company valuestransparency, continuous learning, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. With asuccessful track record of executing numerous global projects, Sapience attributes its achievements toits exceptional team, adherence to industry standards, and unwavering commitment to excellence.Competitive compensation packages are offered to qualified candidates.Role: Industrial Paint Automation Specialist / Robot Programmer
Position Summary
As an Industrial Paint Automation Specialist at Sapience, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and commissioning robotic paint systems with a strong focus on process performance, finish quality, and efficiency. This role blends robot programming, paint process engineering, and system integration to deliver high-performance automated finishing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Paint Robot Programming & Process Development
- Develop and optimize robot programs specifically for spray painting and coating applications
- Program paint paths including:
- Gun orientation and distance control
- Overlap strategies and pattern control
- Edge coverage and complex geometry handling
- Configure and tune:
- Flow rates and pressure settings
- Electrostatic settings (if applicable)
- Optimize for:
- Cycle time vs quality balance
2. Paint Process Engineering
- Develop and validate paint processes including:
- Spray patterns and coverage strategies
- Coating thickness targets
- Multi-pass and multi-layer applications
- Conduct spray trials and document results
- Troubleshoot defects such as:
- Runs, sags, dry spray, orange peel, poor adhesion
- Define and document process recipes and standards
3. System Integration (Paint + Controls + Fluid Delivery)
- Integrate robots with:
- Paint delivery systems (pumps, regulators, color change systems)
- Safety systems and interlocks
- Work closely with Controls Engineers to:
- Map I/O and process signals
- Implement recipe management
- Enable operator adjustments via HMI
4. Simulation, Layout, and Tooling Support
- Utilize robot simulation tools to:
- Validate reach and coverage
- Optimize robot placement and cycle time
- Collaborate with mechanical engineering on:
- EOAT (spray guns, bell applicators, brackets)
- Fixture and part presentation design
- Validate accessibility for maintenance and cleaning
5. Testing, Commissioning & Optimization
- Lead and execute:
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
- Spray trials and validation runs
- Commission systems on-site including:
- Debugging and optimization
- Serve as technical lead for paint process performance at customer sites
6. Documentation & Standards Development
- Develop:
- Paint process setup sheets
- Spray parameter documentation
- Robot program standards for paint applications
- Support internal standardization efforts for:
- Paint programming methods
- Process validation procedures
7. Customer Training & Support
- Train customers on:
- Robot operation for paint systems
- Process adjustments and troubleshooting
- Provide guidance on:
- Maintenance of paint equipment
- Best practices for consistent coating quality
Qualifications
Required
- Experience with industrial robot programming (FANUC preferred, especially paint platforms)
- Hands-on experience with automated paint or coating systems
- Strong understanding of:
- Spray application fundamentals
- Coating quality requirements
- Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and industrial automation environments
- Ability to troubleshoot both robot motion and process-related issues
Preferred
- Experience with FANUC PaintTool or equivalent platforms (ABB, etc.)
- Knowledge of:
- Electrostatic spray systems
- Bell and rotary atomizers
- Experience conducting:
- Transfer efficiency studies
- Familiarity with vision systems for paint applications (optional but valuable)
Key Traits for Success
- Strong process mindset (not just programming)
- Detail-oriented with a focus on finish quality
- Ability to balance speed vs quality vs material usage
- Comfortable working hands-on in production environments
- Effective communicator with both customers and internal teams
Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or have any other requests!Phone: (843) 999-0750 Email: sheryl.myc@sapienceautomation.com
About Us
Sapience Automation is a full-service integrator of robot systems. At Sapience, we recognize that installing and commissioning the robots is just a piece of the puzzle. We'll partner with you on all phases before and after launch to ensure success. We have expertise in a broad range of applications including assembly, painting, inspection, material removal, machine tending, packaging, material handling, and welding. Our systems span a broad range of industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer products, food, heavy truck, and defense.TRUST IS OUR FOUNDATION: We say what we'll do and do what we say.At Sapience, we focus on earning "customers for life" through developing the best people, executing consistently with standard processes, and having a passion for excellence.CONSISTENCY IN APPROACH: We are process driven and process managed.Sapience’s business processes ensure that the details will be addressed. Continuous improvement is ongoing and captured in standard work to ensure repeatability. We will work with you to develop a coordinated project management plan to ensure that all activities are collectively coordinated. Process fixes bad, process replicates good!DRIVEN BY DATA: Data drives decisions. Knowing how to capture the right data and understanding this data drives logical solutions. A methodical and logical approach is required to achieve desired results in the highly-complex manufacturing realm. This is how we operate.EXPERIENCE MATTERS: We know what good looks like.Our team has hundreds of years of experience in integrating robot systems. This experience has honed our team for critical analysis and success.PASSION DRIVES RESULTS: We succeed, there is no other option.Our team loves a challenge. We love robot technology and the added complexity of coatings. We insist on being the best at what we do, and our passion drives us to overcome obstacles to succeed where others don't.