Mechanical Engineer
Formic provides full-service, robotics-as-a-service automation for U.S. manufacturers, including deployment, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of industrial robotic systems without upfront capital investment.
About Formic
Formic Technologies, Inc. is a Bolingbrook, Illinois-based industrial automation company founded in 2020. Its Full Service Automation offering deploys and operates robotic systems for manufacturing tasks such as palletizing, case packing, machine tending, pallet wrapping, and material movement. Its current platform combines Formic Core, an on-robot physical-AI execution layer, with Cortex, a fleet-level intelligence and operations layer.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
The Mechanical Engineer will own mechanical design, documentation, and commissioning for electromechanical systems and assemblies across Formic's automation portfolio. The role covers concept development through SolidWorks modeling, drawing release, BOM management, EOAT development, hands-on floor integration, testing, troubleshooting, and product improvement. The engineer will collaborate with project engineering, software, product, operations, vendors, system integrators, and OEMs to deliver reliable, manufacturable, and production-ready automation systems.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, mechanical systems engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience designing mechanical systems, machine assemblies, or equipment for industrial automation and robotics.
- Experience owning designs from concept through manufacturing release, including 3D assemblies, detailed drawings, component selection, and BOMs.
- Strong 3D CAD proficiency, ideally SolidWorks, with experience designing complete machine or system assemblies.
- Strong drafting and GD&T skills, including fabrication- and assembly-ready drawings, exploded diagrams, and BOMs.
- Familiarity with industrial robotic systems and platforms such as FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, or Universal Robots.
- Understanding of interfaces among robotics, EOAT, conveyance, sensors, actuators, guarding, and automation components.
- Experience troubleshooting mechanical problems on automation systems or machinery.
- Willingness and ability to work hands-on on the shop floor, including assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, modification, and repair.
- Ability to manage engineering deliverables across concurrent projects and iterative development cycles.
- Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Located in or willing to relocate to the greater Chicago, Illinois area and work on-site.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
- Advanced SolidWorks experience, large assembly management, top-down design, and configuration-driven design are bonuses.
- Experience with robotic EOAT, end-of-line automation, PDM/PLM workflows, sensors, actuators, PLCs, EtherNet/IP, IO-Link, machine safety, ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA, AutoCAD, or other CAD platforms is a bonus.
Responsibilities
- Own mechanical design of palletizing, case packing, conveyor, material handling, and EOAT systems from concept through release.
- Design, prototype, assemble, test, configure, validate, and troubleshoot automated end-of-line systems using SolidWorks 3D CAD.
- Maintain SolidWorks model structures, assembly hierarchies, revision control, drawing releases, and release documentation.
- Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, exploded diagrams, BOMs, schematics, SOPs, and work instructions.
- Design EOAT and implement designs on the floor for system build, integration, and commissioning.
- Integrate electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and repeatability.
- Lead technical aspects of assigned automation projects and deliver milestones, specifications, and timelines.
- Support design for manufacturability and design for assembly with internal and external resources.
- Provide equipment support to Product, Software, technical operations, fleet operations, and deployment teams.
- Troubleshoot system issues across software and hardware domains and recommend mechanical improvements.
- Incorporate field deployment learnings into mechanical design and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform root cause analysis and resolve hardware and mechanical system-level issues.
- Develop and execute test plans for functionality, performance, and compliance.
- Engage vendors and coordinate with system integrators and OEMs on equipment and design specifications.
- Assess deployment and production feedback and prepare weekly internal progress reporting.
Benefits
- Equity through Formic's stock option program.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time U.S.-based team members.
- Formic covers 99% of employee healthcare premiums and 75% of dependent coverage, with optional buy-up plans.
- Employer-paid FSA, DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability benefits.
- Fully funded Employee Assistance Program.
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
- Company-sponsored 401(k) plan.
- Home office stipend for fully remote and hybrid employees.
- Monthly cell phone and internet reimbursement.
- Flexible paid time off.