Robotic Automation Mechanical Applications Engineer, Senior

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: Robotic Automation Mechanical Applications Engineer, Senior

The Robotic Automation Mechanical Applications Engineer, Senior 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 to ensure that concepts developed during the proposal stage is executable in budget and timeline. Candidates should bring working fluency across all three disciplines rather than deep specialization in only one, along with the judgment to know when to pull in a specialist.

Key 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 Understanding

• 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 Proposal

• 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.
• Working proficiency in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Familiarity with robot programming and simulation software (e.g., FANUC RoboGuide or similar simulation Software equivalent).
• General understanding of PLC-based control systems, safety hardware, and pneumatic controls sufficient to review and discuss system architecture with Controls Engineers.
• Understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and the ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic drawings.
• 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.