Positioned at the intersection of design, commissioning, and field support, the team operates as a cross-functional unit, with engineers at the Bolingbrook hub working alongside field implementation resources across North America. The work is a deliberate blend of reactive support and proactive engineering, and each role on the team contributes to uptime, performance consistency, and long-term customer outcomes across the fleet.
About the role
As a Controls and Automation Engineer, you will apply advanced engineering principles to the design, analysis, optimization, reliability, and continuous improvement of deployed robotic systems. You will independently evaluate complex, multidisciplinary technical problems, develop engineered solutions, and exercise technical judgment in determining how those solutions are designed, validated, and implemented across Formic's fleet in demanding production environments.
This role blends reactive support with proactive engineering. You will diagnose complex issues, implement structured improvements, and partner cross-functionally to strengthen system stability across the fleet. Your work directly impacts uptime, performance consistency, and long-term customer outcomes.
In this role, you will
- As a Robotics and Automation Project Engineer,
- Provide advanced engineering support for escalated technical issues, analyzing system behavior and developing troubleshooting and remediation strategies for execution by onsite teams.
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 to onsite teams when needed
Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize equipment configurations and improve repeatability
Own and 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 industry regulations
Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability, diagnostics capability, and technical support
What makes you a great fit
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, controls engineering, mechatronics, robotics engineering, or another directly related engineering discipline
10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environments
Strong proficiency in 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 electrical schematics and technical drawings
Experience working in uptime-critical manufacturing environments
Strong problem-solving skills and structured troubleshooting approach
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 equipment 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
Flexible Time Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policy
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.
Final offers are customized based on experience, geographic location, market considerations, and a candidate’s preferred balance of cash and equity. Our goal is to attract and reward top talent who will have significant impact, and we are open to thoughtful discussions to align on the right structure.
Compensation Range
$120,000—$145,000 USD
What we look for
We’re building this company from the ground up, and every person we hire has an outsized impact on our culture, performance, and trajectory. While each team member brings unique strengths and perspectives, we look for people who align with our Operating Principles and embody them in action. If this sounds like you, Formic may be the right place for you!
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 accessibility@formic.co.
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 linked here.
