Field Deployment Engineer: Robotics

Formic; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company revolutionizing American manufacturing through accessible automation. As a Robotics Deployment Engineer, you'll lead the integration and commissioning of cutting-edge robotics solutions, ensuring top-notch performance for our clients. Collaborate with talented teams to enhance factory productivity and drive innovation in a fast-paced startup environment. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including equity, healthcare, and flexible time-off. If you're ready to make a significant impact in the manufacturing industry, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Equity in Formic

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage

Paid Parental Leave

Company-sponsored 401(k)

Home Office Stipend

Monthly Cell-Phone Reimbursement

Flexible Time-Off

Paid Company Holidays

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Industrial Automation required.
• 3+ years hands-on with industrial 6-Axis Robots.
• Solid Modeling & 2D CAD experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal systems integration for robotics solutions.
• Install and commission Formic-provided solutions.
• Maintain production schedules and quality control.

Skills

Solid Modeling

2D CAD

Problem-solving

Communication Skills

Hands-on Experience with Industrial Robots

Automation Experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Parametric Programming Tools

Factory Acceptance Testing Tools

Job description

At Formic, we’re on a mission to revolutionize American manufacturing and create more abundance in the world. We believe in continuing the American legacy of innovation by making automation accessible to all manufacturers and increasing their factory productivity by 10x.

Built upon deep expertise in robotics and manufacturing, our unique full service automation solutions combine the best automation technology, software, and analysis tools for manufacturers with best in class uptime, support, and maintenance services. We are creating a new era of supercharged efficiency and competitiveness for US manufacturers.

As the world faces growing pressure from tariffs, rising costs, and labor shortages, Formic is uniquely positioned as the industry leading solution to overcome these challenges. Fueled by our vision for a re-industrialized domestic supply chain, everything we do is aimed at growing “Made in America” products. And we’re growing fast - achieving 7x growth in production hours YoY.

Supporting us in our mission, with investments thus far totaling over $60 million, are backers including Lux Capital, Initialized Capital, Blackhorn Ventures, Mitsubishi HC Capital NA, and CEOs and founders of multiple Fortune 50 companies.

The Deployment Team is is responsible for managing the successful deployment of robotics-centric automation solutions in a variety of different applications at customer manufacturing sites. The Robotics Deployment Engineer is responsible for internal systems integration requirements, system commissioning, and installation activities. In this role you support any incremental fabrication, coding, configuration, pre-installation validation in-house (in our Woodridge, IL facility), and related installation and commissioning requirements at our customer sites. You will partner closely with Formic Deployment, Production Optimization, and Software Engineering teams to deliver against scheduled dates, ensure a world-class customer experience, and play an integral role in meeting Formic’s production goals and making fast-turn, high-caliber automation possible for our customers. “Wearing many hats” in a startup environment, you may also support new product development, testing, and troubleshooting as needed.

In this role you will:

• Lead internal systems integration activities for designated robotics-centric solutions. This includes validation of proposed system capabilities and requirements with the Project Manager, mechanical configuration and pre-programming of systems using parametric or provided programming tools, internal Factory Acceptance Testing and Documentation, updating deliverables documentation, and supporting system pack-out.
• Install and commission Formic-provided solutions. This will include partnering with the Field Tech/Engineer and Project Manager onsite to mechanically install, power-up, test, fine-tune the solution, validate its performance, and finalize deliverables documentation.
• Partner with Management to maintain production schedules and quality control processes.
• Support efforts to validate the suitability of Formic’s standard solutions for specific customer applications through continuous testing and collaboration.
• Contribute to identifying and testing solutions both in the field and throughout the deployment process.
• Adhere to Formic standardized processes and tools, SOPs, and relevant legal and safety requirements in all internal integration, configuration, and testing activities.

What makes you a great fit:

• Bachelor’s Degree or greater in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience) required
• Solid Modeling & 2D CAD experience required
• Prior Mechanical Design experience preferred
• 5+ years experience in Industrial Automation required in functions such as Application Engineering, Production Engineering, or related.
• 3+ Years of hands-on experience with industrial 6-Axis Robots (cell design/layout, technical support, applications/solutions engineering, programming, etc.) required
• Automation experience including end-of-line automation, robotic palletizing, de-palletizing, and/or case-packing is preferred, though not required
• Willingness to travel up to 40-50% of time in this position (generally 2-3 times/month, 2-3 days at a time)
• Action-oriented with strong problem-solving skills. Able to dive into new-to-you experiences and figure out a path forward
• Strong communication skills (both written and spoken)
• Experienced with hand-tools
• Current, valid driver’s license and access to your own vehicle is required to support local travel to sites (Note: Formic reimburses for mileage for work-related local travel aligned with travel policy)
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs
• You’re located in - or open to relocate to - either the greater Chicago, IL area and work in our Woodridge, IL office (when not traveling)

Our Total Rewards

At Formic, we believe you perform your best when you're supported in caring for yourself and your loved ones. That's why we've thoughtfully designed a comprehensive benefits and perks package for our full-time, U.S.-based team members, including:

Equity in Formic: Own a meaningful stake in a fast-growing Series A startup, backed by leading global investors

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: 99% covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, with 75% coverage for dependents, provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Guardian

Additional Fully Covered Insurance Benefits: FSA & DCFSA, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability through Guardian, all 100% employer-paid

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic and provided via Guardian, offering support when you need it most

Paid Parental Leave: Generous parental leave to support our employees and their growing families

Company-sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company-backed retirement savings plan

Home Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote employees to set up your ideal at-home or on the road work environment

Monthly Cell-Phone Reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward phone and internet expenses

Flexible Time-Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policy

Paid Company Holidays: Celebrate important dates with paid time off

Compensation Philosophy

Formic’s compensation packages - including salaries and equity - are thoughtfully benchmarked against peer companies at a similar growth stage. Equity represents a critical part of our mutual investment: when Formic succeeds, so do you.

Final compensation packages are carefully customized based on candidate preference for cash and equity balance, experience, geographic location, and market considerations. Our goal is to attract and reward top talent who will significantly impact our organization. We're open to meaningful discussions about compensation structure to secure exceptional team members.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is detailed below.

Base Salary Range:

$115,000 - $140,000 USD

What we look for:

We’re building a company from the ground up, so every single person we hire has a massive impact on our team, culture, and ability to accomplish our mission. While each individual brings their own unique skills and perspectives to Formic, we look for people who share our vision and act in alignment with our Operating Principles . If this sounds like you, Formic could be the place for you!

• Fearless Optimism:You share our ambitious vision of what we can accomplish. You’re aware of the challenges we will face as a startup doing new things in an old space, but you’re energized by the incredible opportunity we have to drive change for our customers, and for the manufacturing industry at large.
• Factories First:You have a strong customer focus, no matter who your customer is. You seek to make things easier and better for our customers, even if it makes your job a little harder.
• Today, Not Tomorrow:There are always plenty of projects to tackle in a startup, but you prioritize, take accountability for work, and have a bias toward action.
• Be Right Often:You don’t do things just because that’s how they’ve always been done. You keep looking for ways to improve, seek out feedback along the way, and back your decisions up with data.
• Made of Rubber:Justlike rubber, when you fall you bounce back up. You know there’s going to be a lot of challenge and change in our work ahead but you are adaptable, resilient, and ready to thrive through it all.
• Good Baton Passes:You work with a desire to make things easier and better for your team members. You use empathy to understand the needs and goals of others and support each other so Formic can be successful together.

Formic is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, family or parental status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. All employment decisions are based on a person’s merit, business needs, and role requirements. If you require further accommodations or have questions regarding accessibility of our roles, please reach out to [e-mail].

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