Chicago or San Francisco Employment USD 110,000 - 135,000 Yearly

Formic is hiring an Automation Sustaining Engineer

About the Role

Formic is looking for an Automation Sustaining Engineer to own advanced technical support and the long-term reliability of our deployed robotic systems. In this role, you will operate at the intersection of troubleshooting, system optimization, and product improvement, ensuring automation systems perform consistently in demanding production environments.

What You'll Do

  • 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 We're Looking For

  • 10+ 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.

Nice to Have

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

Technical Stack

  • PLCs
  • Robots
  • Industrial control systems

Team & Environment

You will be part of the Fleet Operations Team, which drives uptime and operational performance across Formic’s growing fleet of deployed robotic systems.

Benefits & Compensation

  • Compensation range: $110,000—$135,000 USD
  • Equity in Formic via stock option program.
  • Competitive & Uncapped Commission Structure.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 99% of employee premiums covered.
  • Additional Insurance Benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability, all 100% employer-paid.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Paid Parental Leave Program: Up to 12 weeks.
  • Company-sponsored 401(k).
  • Home Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees.
  • Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement.
  • Flexible Time Off.

Formic is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Skills
PLCsRoboticsIndustrial Control SystemsElectrical SchematicsTechnical DrawingsMotion SystemsAutomated ManufacturingDiagnosticsMechanical SystemsElectrical Systems
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About company
Formic

Formic is reshaping American manufacturing by making automation accessible to every factory through a Robotics-as-a-Service model. It combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support into a single, integrated solution to remove traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk.

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Job Details
Department Engineering
Category embedded
Posted 14 days ago