Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sapience Automation; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sapience Automation is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, program, and implement automated control systems across industrial processes. You will collaborate with project managers and production teams, applying engineering principles to minimize manual work and maximize safety and efficiency.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem solving, and adherence to standards, with responsibilities spanning design, field installation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization for customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field is typically required for this role.
• Extensive practical experience in industrial automation is expected.
• Strong communication and technical writing abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for project execution, collaborating with Pieper team and customers.
• Develop and document design, programming, and testing standards following the Pieper Automation Way.
• Mentor teammates, help with team development, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Positive safety attitude

Communication skills

Technical writing skills

Independent worker

Customer satisfaction focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Teams

SharePoint

CoPilot

VMware

Job description

ROLE, FUNCTION & ORGANIZATION

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing automated control systems to improve efficiency, quality, and safety across industrial and business processes. This position applies engineering principles and advanced technologies to develop solutions that minimize manual intervention and optimize operational performance. This position collaborates with project managers and production teams to ensure seamless integration of automation systems, strict compliance with industry standards, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

A highly skilled automation engineer capable of completing assigned tasks efficiently with minimal supervision. Demonstrates the ability to independently solve problems, while offering solutions to both internal and external customers. Supports project estimating efforts in area of expertise. Actively develops leadership skills and pursues opportunities for growth in this capacity. Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of the team. Implements and guides others in the Pieper Automation Way, leading in the standards and practices that define the company's approach to automation.

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: Safety -- Always, Servant's Heart -- Focus on Others, Wisdom -- Insightful, Integrity -- Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage -- Decisive and Confident, Humility -- Modest and Respectful, Passion -- Unfailing Dedication.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Use Technical Expertise for Project Execution -- "Working In the Business"

• Provide support for project execution, collaborating with the Pieper team and customers.
• Follow best practices and the Pieper Automation Way – especially in design, programming, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate a pattern of success on projects with positive customer feedback leading to additional work opportunities.
• Work with Project Managers to track and manage project cost/performance, execute projects on time and within budget.
• Assist with reviewing project scopes, recommending technical solutions, generating estimates and proposals in area of expertise.
• Provide technical support for programming, configuration, testing, field installation and commissioning of projects.
• Troubleshoot and solve technical problems within areas of experience.
• Follow internal processes for time and cost management: forecasting, time entry, expense reports, maximizing billable work.

Responsibility 2: Use Technical Expertise for Branch initiatives -- "Working On the Business"

• Support EOS program by actively participating in L10s and completing meaningful quarterly rocks.
• Perform internal projects, focusing on Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop standards and processes to streamline engineering practices – the "Pieper Automation Way".
• Assist with Team development by mentoring, training others, creating training plans, vendor interface, etc.

Responsibility 3: Personal Development Activities

• Create an Employee Development Plan and meet with supervisor quarterly to review progress.
• Create and track progress of SMART goals focused on technical, personal and/or professional development.
• Plan and achieve target hours for Continuing Education.

Safety/Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan and identify the methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task (JHA).
• Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention (BBS).
• Uphold safety as the most important value of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents.
• Promote and encourage open communication regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed.
• Complete safety training as expected by all company personnel.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Typically Five to ten years of experience in industrial automation, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

This position requires a decisive, independent worker able to mentor others, work independently and collaboratively, and a passion for hands-on work. Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

Knowledge, Skill And Abilities

Demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity – both are non-negotiable.
• Communication skills and technical writing skills.
• Friendly, professional demeanor, ability to follow through on tasks.
• Work independently to meet deadlines and budgets, work on multiple jobs simultaneously, and fulfill all job requirements in a timely fashion.
• Effectively utilize Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, CoPilot, etc.
• Effectively utilize Engineering tools – Laptops, VMWare, Remote access devices, Network settings, etc.
• Understand Automation Design process – Ability to read and comprehend automation equipment manuals and electrical schematics.
• Interacting with customers and a drive for customer satisfaction.
• Create Functional Specifications.
• Perform field verification, construction support, field commissioning and project reviews.
• Understand wiring practices and electrical fieldwork.
• Be willing and capable of completing personal development plans for self. Demonstrate desire to learn and grow personally and professionally.

Demonstrate extensive knowledge of one or more of the following and general knowledge of the others:

• PLC Programming
• Operator Interface Programming
• Motion Control – VFDs, Servo drives, etc.
• Robotics
• Machine Vision Inspection
• Machine Safety
• IT Networks – configuration and security
• Computer Programming using various languages
• Process Control
• Use of Artificial Intelligence
• Ability to troubleshoot controls hardware/wiring and provide solutions
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Physical Requirements

• Office environment requiring sitting and standing.
• Travel to various construction sites is essential, exposing employee to outdoor elements, noise and the need to stand, walk, and climb.
• Reliable transportation required.