Paint Automation Specialist/ Robot Programmer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• 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
• Experience with vision systems for paint applications (optional but valuable)

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
• Experience with vision systems for paint applications (optional but valuable)

Skills

• 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

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Pay

Competitive compensation packages are offered to qualified candidates.

Schedule

Details not specified.

Contact

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.
CONSISTENCY IN APPROACH: We are process driven and process managed.
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.
PASSION DRIVES RESULTS: We succeed, there is no other option.