Robotics & Automation Project Engineer

Formic; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Formic

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

Paid parental leave program

Company-sponsored 401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Formic is looking for a Project Engineer to oversee advanced technical support and reliability of robotic systems. This role focuses on diagnosing and resolving issues in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

You’ll engage in system optimizations, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance performance and minimize downtime. A strong background in manufacturing automation is essential.

The position offers the chance to work at the forefront of industrial robotics and automation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environments.
• Strong proficiency programming PLCs, robots, and industrial control systems.
• Solid understanding of robotic systems, motion systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation failures to minimize production downtime.
• Design and implement preventative and predictive strategies that improve system reliability.
• Lead system-level continuous improvement initiatives, including hardware and software upgrades.

Skills

Programming PLCs

Robotic systems understanding

Problem-solving skills

Education

5+ years in manufacturing automation/robotics

Tools

Control systems

Job description

Who we are

Formic is on a mission to reshape American manufacturing by making automation accessible to every factory. As labor constraints rise, costs increase, and global competition intensifies, automation is no longer optional for manufacturers that want to stay competitive.

We deliver automation through a Robotics-as-a-Service model that combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support into a single, integrated solution. By removing the traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk, we enable manufacturers to deploy automation quickly and realize measurable gains in throughput, safety, and operational efficiency without large upfront capital investment.

Backed by leading investors including Lux Capital, Initialized Capital, Blackhorn Ventures, and Mitsubishi HC Capital North America, Formic is scaling rapidly and building the foundation for a new era of high‑performance, Made in America production.

About the team

The Fleet Operations Team drives uptime and operational performance across Formic’s growing fleet of deployed robotic systems. Working inside live manufacturing environments, the team diagnoses issues, restores production, and continuously improves system reliability at scale. Fleet Operations operates at the intersection of robotics, controls, and real‑world factory execution, ensuring Formic’s automation delivers consistent, measurable performance across diverse industrial applications.

About the role

As Project Engineer, you will own advanced technical support and the long‑term reliability of deployed robotic systems. You will operate at the intersection of troubleshooting, system optimization, and product improvement, ensuring automation systems perform consistently in demanding production environments.

This role blends reactive support with proactive engineering. You will diagnose complex failures, implement structured improvements, and partner cross‑functionally to strengthen system stability across the fleet. Your work will directly impact system uptime, performance consistency, and long‑term customer success.

In this role you will:

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation failures to minimize production downtime
• Design and implement preventative and predictive strategies that improve system reliability
• Lead system‑level continuous improvement initiatives, including hardware and software upgrades
• Analyze production data and diagnostic trends to identify systemic performance gaps
• Provide remote support by responding to service tickets, guiding troubleshooting efforts, and triaging issues to onsite teams when required
• Support field service activities within your local region for both reactive and preventative maintenance
• Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize equipment configurations and improve system repeatability
• Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and change‑control records
• Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues across the fleet
• Mentor field technicians and engineers on troubleshooting and system health best practices
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and relevant industry regulations
• Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability, diagnostic capabilities, and technical support

What makes you a great fit

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environments
• Strong proficiency programming PLCs, robots, and industrial control systems
• Solid understanding of robotic systems, motion systems, and automated manufacturing equipment
• Hands‑on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control system failures
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Experience working in uptime‑critical manufacturing environments
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a structured troubleshooting methodology
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating cross‑functionally
• Willingness to travel up to 50% based on business needs
• Valid driver’s license and ability to support local travel

Bonus points if you have

• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing environments
• Experience standardizing automation systems across multiple deployed sites
• Exposure to data‑driven maintenance or predictive monitoring tools

Our Total Rewards

At Formic, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported both professionally and personally. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits and perks package for full‑time, U.S.‑based team members, including:

• Equity in Formic: Participate in our stock option program and share in the success of a fast‑growing start‑up backed by leading global investors
• Competitive & uncapped commission structure: Designed to reward performance and impact in commission‑eligible roles
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Unum, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% coverage for dependents, with optional buy‑up plans available
• Additional insurance benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability through Unum, all 100% employer‑paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic, offering support when you need it most
• Paid parental leave program: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Company‑sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company‑facilitated retirement savings plan
• Home office stipend: A one‑time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees to support an at‑home or on‑the‑road work setup
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward personal phone and internet expenses
• Paid time off: Take the time you need, when you need it. 15 days of paid time off, in addition to company holidays

Compensation Philosophy

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

This role is paid hourly with a posted range of $38–$46 per hour. Based on the nature of field service work – which consistently runs approximately 50+ hours per week including travel, site activity, and documentation – total annualized earnings typically range from $109,000 – $132,000, depending on experience, hourly rate, and actual hours worked. Overtime is paid in accordance with applicable federal and state law for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

What we look for

• Fearless Optimism: You make bold bets and default optimistic. You believe in the mission, aren’t paralyzed by risk, and fear inaction more than failure. You see ambiguity as opportunity and bring energy to building what doesn’t yet exist.
• Create the Magic: You absorb complexity so customers don’t have to. Whether your customer is external or internal, you focus on delivering experiences that are clear, fast, value‑added, and outcome‑driven. You don’t say “not my job.” You make things work.
• Today, Not Tomorrow: You have a bias to action. You close the loop. You take extreme ownership. You understand that speed compounds, and you don’t confuse activity with results.
• Seek Truth: You think from first principles. You value data over ego and strong opinions loosely held. You’re willing to challenge assumptions, including your own, in pursuit of the best answer.
• Made of Rubber: You are resolute and adaptable. When things break or priorities shift, you rebound stronger. You treat setbacks as learning moments and move forward with grit.
• One Formic: You operate without silos. You practice radical helpfulness, document clearly, and make clean handoffs. You assume positive intent and prioritize team success over individual credit.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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].

AI Use

At Formic, fairness and transparency are at the heart of our hiring process. We use AI‑powered tools in some interviews to help our teams evaluate candidate responses, but all final hiring decisions are made by humans. You can learn more about how AI is used in our recruitment process by reviewing our AI Hiring Disclosure.