Hands-On Mechanical Design Engineer for EOAT & Automation

Formic; Chicago, Bolingbrook (IL, IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Formic

Healthcare Coverage

401(k)

Job summary

Formic is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in the greater Chicago area. You will own mechanical design, documentation, and commissioning of electromechanical systems and EOAT, leading from concept through release while coordinating with Project Engineering and Software teams.

You will develop and release mechanical systems, support floor integration, and contribute to training and enablement material to ensure fleet readiness and reliability across Formic's automation portfolio.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing mechanical systems, machine assemblies, or equipment for industrial automation and robotic applications.
• Experience owning mechanical designs from concept through manufacturing release, including full 3D assemblies, detailed drawings, component selection, and BOMs
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD, ideally SolidWorks, with experience designing complete machine or system assemblies, not just individual parts
• Strong drafting and GD&T skills, with the ability to produce fabrication- and assembly-ready drawings, exploded diagrams, and BOMs
• Familiarity with industrial robotic systems and their integration, including robotic arms such as FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, or similar platforms
• Strong understanding of how mechanical systems interface with robotics, EOAT, conveyance, sensors, actuators, guarding, and other automation components
• Experience troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical problems on automation systems or machinery
• Willingness and ability to work hands‑on on the shop floor, including mechanical assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, modification, and repair
• Ability to organize and manage engineering deliverables through iterative development and tight feedback loops across concurrent projects
• Excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Located in, or willing to relocate to, the greater Chicago, IL area and work on‑site
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of automation systems and assemblies from concept through release.
• Design, prototype, assemble, and test automated end-of-line systems using SolidWorks 3D CAD.
• Maintain SolidWorks model structures, release processes, and BOMs.
• Create and maintain detailed mechanical design documentation, including CAD models and drawings.
• Design EOAT and implement designs on the floor for build, integration, and commissioning.
• Integrate electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems for reliability and manufacturability.
• Iterate and validate mechanical designs to meet timelines.
• Lead and manage technical aspects of automation projects within the roadmap.
• Configure, validate, and troubleshoot systems on the floor during build and commissioning.
• Support DFM/DFA practices and collaborate with internal/external resources.

Skills

Mechanical design

Robot systems familiarity

GD&T

Troubleshooting

On-site availability

Travel up to 25%

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Formic is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in the greater Chicago area. You will own mechanical design, documentation, and commissioning of electromechanical systems and EOAT, leading from concept through release while coordinating with Project Engineering and Software teams.

You will develop and release mechanical systems, support floor integration, and contribute to training and enablement material to ensure fleet readiness and reliability across Formic's automation portfolio.