Paint Automation Specialist Robot Programmer

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 solutions for 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

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:

Atomization parameters

Flow rates and pressure settings

Electrostatic settings (if applicable)

Optimize for:

Transfer efficiency

Film build consistency

Cycle time vs quality balance

1. 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

1. System Integration (Paint + Controls + Fluid Delivery)

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

1. 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

1. Testing, Commissioning & Optimization

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

1. 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

1. 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

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: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io