Applications Engineer, Senior

About the role

The Applications Engineer at Sapience Automation is a cross-disciplinary technical role that bridges mechanical design, robot programming, and controls system architecture in support of proposal development in a customer-facing role. This role works closely with the Sales, Mechanical Design, Process/Robotics, and Controls/Build teams to translate customer requirements into feasible, cost-effective automation solutions and ensure that concepts developed during the proposal stage can be executed within budget and timeline.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design & Layout
• Develop and evaluate conceptual layouts for machines, robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixtures, and other automation equipment, weighing functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create and review mechanical layouts and drawing packages sufficient to support quoting, feasibility studies, and customer proposal reviews.
• Evaluate payload requirements, reach, and general structural feasibility for proposed equipment.
• Collaborate with fabrication and tooling vendors to scope manufacturing requirements and validate design-for-manufacturing decisions.
• Support prototype testing and design iteration based on feedback and results.
• Robot Programming & System Simulation
• Use robot simulation software tools to design, validate, and optimize robotic system layouts, reach studies, and cycle-time estimates during the proposal and engineering phases.
• Develop or review robot programs for material handling, assembly, painting, packaging, and similar applications.
• Ensure robot placement, tooling, and end-of-arm design are compatible with the overall system architecture.
• Controls & System Architecture
• Maintain a working understanding of PLC-based control architectures (Allen Bradley/ Siemens/ Beckhoff/Mitsubishi/Keyence), safety hardware, and pneumatic control systems well enough to scope, estimate, and communicate system requirements accurately.
• Coordinate with Controls Engineers on panel layout, I/O counts, safety system requirements, and integration of vision systems, RFID, and other peripheral devices into the overall control architecture.
• Review electrical and pneumatic schematics well enough to identify scope gaps, cost drivers, and interface requirements between mechanical, robotic, and controls subsystems.
• Help ensure that system architecture decisions made during proposal development remain consistent and buildable once a project moves into detailed engineering.
• Applications & Engineering
• Partner with the Sales and Estimating teams to translate customer requirements into technical concepts, budgetary layouts, and system architecture summaries.
• Prepare technical content for proposals, including equipment lists, layout concepts, cycle-time assumptions, and scope clarifications.
• Participate in customer technical reviews, design reviews, and internal hand-off meetings between proposal and execution teams.
• Create project timelines, hours estimates, and technical documentation to support accurate quoting and smooth project hand-off.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field — or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in robotics, automation, or industrial machine design.
• Familiarity with robot programming and simulation software (e.g., FANUC RoboGuide or similar simulation Software equivalent).
• Working proficiency in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Understanding of PLC-based control systems, safety hardware, and pneumatic controls sufficient to review and discuss system architecture with Controls Engineers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for both internal teams and customers.
• Comfortable working across disciplines and coordinating with Mechanical Design, Process/Robotics, and Controls Engineers on a single project.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (typically less than 10%) for customer visits, field measurements, and installation support.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Additional Skills (a Plus)

• Prior experience in applications engineering, proposal engineering, or technical sales support role.
• RIA/ISO safety standards related to machinery and guarding.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, E-Plan, or similar controls design software.
• An existing design or project portfolio demonstrating cross-disciplinary automation work.

Additional Notes

• Enjoy a strong benefits program as part of your employment package.
• Due to the nature of robot integration, there may be busy periods; the role is exempt but eligible for overtime.
• Occasional travel to customer sites is required to support proposal development.
• The position is located onsite in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston, SC has been rated the best U.S. city to visit by Travel and Leisure for 12 years in a row and offers a rare combination of a coastal city, a growing manufacturing base, and a highly cultural city known for its history, dining, and other activities.