Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Vision insurance
Company Overview Sapience Automation, a reputable provider of turnkey solutionsfor industrial automation, specializes in serving diverse industries such as automotive, medical, aviation, building products, general industrial, domestic appliances, and food. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Sapience is committed to fostering long-term customer relationships by consistently delivering excellence through its skilled workforce, standardized processes, and passion for innovation. The company values transparency, continuous learning, and a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. With a successful track record of executing numerous global projects, Sapience attributes its achievements to its 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
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:
Atomization parameters
Flow rates and pressure settings
Electrostatic settings (if applicable)
Optimize for:
Transfer efficiency
Film build consistency
Cycle time vs quality balance
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
Integrate robots with:
Paint delivery systems (pumps, regulators, color change systems)
PLCs and HMIs
Safety systems and interlocks
Work closely with Controls Engineers to:
Map I/O and process signals
Implement recipe management
Enable operator adjustments via HMI
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
Lead and execute:
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
Spray trials and validation runs
Commission systems on-site including:
Final process tuning
Debugging and optimization
Serve as technical lead for paint process performance at customer sites
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
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
Fluid delivery systems
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:
Spray trials
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