Robotics Deployment Project Manager

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

Job summary

Formic is seeking a detail-oriented Robotic Deployment Project Manager to lead the deployment of automation solutions in various applications. With the responsibility of overseeing projects from planning to implementation, the ideal candidate will embody strong communication and problem-solving skills while driving efficiency in American manufacturing.

Benefits

Equity in Formic

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage

Paid Parental Leave

Company-sponsored 401(k)

Flexible Time-Off

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in manufacturing.
• 3+ years of automation/robotics experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel 35-40% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage robotics-centric automation solutions.
• Define project scopes and gather requirements.
• Develop project plans and track progress.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

Robotics

Automation Systems

Job description

Who We Are:

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 responsible for managing the deployment of robotics-centric automation solutions in a variety of different applications at customer sites. The ideal candidate for Robotic Deployment Project Management position is detail-oriented and has a successful track record of managing the deployment of robotic automation projects for a variety of discrete manufacturing requirements. They will strategically lead deployment projects–partnering with customers, engineering teams, and suppliers–while overseeing third party robotics integrators who perform much of the hands-on implementation work.

In this role you will:

• Strategically plan and manage robotics-centric automation solutions for a variety of different clients and applications, overseeing all aspects of deployment
• Support defining project scopes, gathering project requirements, and validating proposals in cooperation with Formic Applications/Solutions Engineers and third party robotics system integrators
• Develop and track project plans and monitor progress to ensure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met
• Facilitate the resolution of issues that surface in the deployment process
• Play an active role in building, standardizing, and refining our internal processes and operations. This is a great opportunity to leverage your own experience and knowledge–as well as your learnings here at Formic–to make an impact by shaping our Deployment/Project Management function as we grow

What makes you a great fit:

• 5+ years of project management experience in technically complex manufacturing environments
• 3+ years of prior automation/robotics experience
• Automation experience, including end-of-line automation, robotic palletizing, de-palletizing, and/or case-packing is preferred, though not required
• Experience working with industrial robots and/or cobots including Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa, ABB, or Universal Robots
• Experience working with or for an industrial robotics System Integrator
• Strong communication skills (both written and spoken) and ability to influence
• Ability to skillfully manage a diverse set of team members and stakeholders
• Hunger to learn, grow, and make an impact in a fast-paced environment
• Action-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel up to 35-40% of time in this position
• You’re located in - or open to relocate to - either the greater Chicago, IL area and work a hybrid schedule(3+ days/week outside) in our Woodridge, IL office

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].