Automation Engineer, Mechanical & Electrical Builder

Sapience Automation is an industrial robotics and systems integration company. They design, build, and program custom robotic systems for manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace, and consumer products. Their specific solutions include automated assembly, machine tending, precision robotic labeling, and defect inspection.

Sapience Automation, a reputable provider of turnkey solutions for industrial automation, specializes in serving diverse industries such as automotive, medical, aviation, and general industry. With its headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, Sapience Automation 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 history of executing numerous global projects, Sapience attributes its achievements to its exceptional team, adherence to industry standards, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

 Examples of systems we have provided can be found: Sapience Automation

The Automation Engineer is a key role at Sapience Automation with a strong compensation package. It is a role for people that have experience in performing builds, debugging, and installation of automation equipment or industrial machinery. In this role, you will be the lead person on projects and will work with other Automation Engineers throughout the factory build and test. This is a direct role that requires a strong attention to detail, both mechanical and electrical knowledge, and the ability to work from a set of blueprints. The expectations for safety, quality, craftsmanship, and efficiency are extremely high as you will be leading the build both on our floor as well as the customer site.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Uphold Safety as the most important goal of the company. Support the goal of Zero Accidents.
• Preplan and identify methods to eliminate hazards in daily operations.
• Assemble, install, test, and troubleshoot both mechanical and electrical assemblies.
• Review, Interpret and redline drawings and specifications.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Determine materials required and execute build in sequence.
• Ensure work on systems/cells are within compliance to build standards and safety codes.
• Experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, indicators, and torque tools.
• Working knowledge of servo systems, VFDs, sensors, safety circuits, and industrial control hardware.
• Experience with robot integration, industrial conveyors, automated assembly systems, or machine tending systems.
• Identify opportunities for system improvements and value-added solutions.
• Coordinate and prepare necessary tools, equipment, and materials in advance to meet project timelines.
• Manage time, tools, and materials efficiently to support the budget.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Work cooperatively with other departments and teams to support project completion.
• Clearly communicate the project progress or delays to project managers and/or customers.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required.
• 5 years of experience in machine building, industrial automation, mechatronics, electrical assembly, machinery installation, or maintenance.
• Possess basic math skills.
• Ability to read mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic schematics.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, and materials common to the mechanical and electrical trades
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Willingness to travel to Installation sites. (

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams)
• Ability to effectively present information in small group situations to customers and employees of other organizations.
• Experience leading build activities and mentoring junior builders.
• Knowledge of Industrial Robots
• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, and regulations

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• Forklift Certification
• MEWP Certification
• Mechatronics Certification
• Electrical or Industrial Maintenance Certification
• FANUC or equivalent robot training

Physical Requirements 

• As an Automation Engineer, time spent will be in the shop, exposing employees to noise and moving machinery.
• Ability to maintain a consistent workload that may involve significant physical manual labor.
• Consisting of standing, sitting, kneeling; with repetitive use of hands.
• Be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, independently.
• Specific abilities required by this job include:
• Color vision to distinguish wire colors.
• Manual Dexterity

Location(s)

• 497 Jessen Lane, Charleston, SC 29492, United States

Sapience is an Equal Opportunity Employer.