Senior Automation Sustaining Engineer, Chicago

Senior Automation Sustaining Engineer

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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 Production Optimization Team is dedicated to ensuring both customer satisfaction and the seamless operation of our robots. Composed of Customer Success and Monitoring & Maintenance teams, this department works to maximize robot performance and provide ongoing support to guarantee a smooth and efficient user experience for our customers.

Sustaining Engineers work on the forefront of robotic automation using Formic's suite of monitoring and diagnostic capabilities to guide preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities across our growing fleet of deployed robotic cells. They work with a variety of robotic equipment and OEM's, delivering innovative and value-add automation to our manufacturing sector customers.

As a Senior Automation Sustaining Engineer you will be responsible for maintaining, improving, and ensuring the continuous operation of manufacturing automation systems and equipment. This role involves working closely with production teams, quality assurance, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure that equipment meets performance standards.

In this role you will:

Diagnose and remedy automation failures to minimize downtime
Design and deploy preventative strategies that boost system uptime and reliability
Drive continuous-improvement projects: scope, plan, and deliver hardware/software upgrades
Analyze production data and field diagnostics to uncover performance-optimization opportunities
Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize and streamline equipment setups
Own equipment documentation: operating procedures, maintenance logs, and change-control records
Mentor and train other technicians and engineers on best practices for system health and troubleshooting
Enforce compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and internal quality guidelines
Serve as the go-to technical authority for complex escalations and cross-functional initiatives
Cultivate vendor relationships to ensure robust support, parts availability, and advanced diagnostics
Stay ahead of automation trends; recommend and pilot cutting-edge solutions that align with Formic's roadmap

What makes you a great fit:

Minimum of 10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation engineering
Proficiency in automation technologies, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming and HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
Solid foundation in control theory, robotics, and automated manufacturing systems
Knowledge of PLCs, automation, and control systems
Familiarity with industrial standards and regulations related to manufacturing automation
Strong technical skills in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems
Proficiency in CAD software and ability to read technical drawings
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Strong project management and organizational skills
Strong communication skills for teamwork, troubleshooting, and brainstorming
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
The ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise, heat, and hazardous materials
The ability to lift and move equipment and components as needed
Willingness to travel 50% to manufacturing sites or equipment suppliers (typically 1 week of travel, 1 week not, subject to change due to business needs)
Possession of a current, valid drivers license and access to your own vehicle for local travel

Formic provides mileage and expense reimbursement for travel-related expenses within policy

Bonus points if you have:

Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment

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-$135,000 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: Just like 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 careers@formic.co.

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Location:: Chicago
Job Type:: FullTime

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