Mechanical Project Engineer

Skills

About the Role

Own mechanical design and project engineering for Formic's industrial automation portfolio, from concept and SolidWorks modeling through manufacturing release, floor integration, commissioning, and continuous improvement. The role works across robotics, EOAT, conveyors, material handling, electromechanical systems, and product sustainment.

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, drawings, component selection, and BOMs.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD, ideally SolidWorks, with experience designing complete machine or system assemblies.
• Strong drafting and GD&T skills, including fabrication- and assembly-ready drawings.
• Familiarity with industrial robotic systems and platforms such as FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, or Universal Robots.
• Understanding of mechanical interfaces with 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 with 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%.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of palletizing, case packing, conveyor, material handling, and EOAT systems from concept through release.
• Design, prototype, assemble, test, integrate, and commission automated end-of-line systems using SolidWorks 3D CAD.
• Maintain SolidWorks model structures, assembly hierarchies, revision control, drawing releases, and BOM documentation.
• Create CAD models, detailed drawings, exploded diagrams, schematics, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Implement and integrate electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems for reliable, manufacturable automation systems.
• Lead technical aspects of assigned automation projects, including milestones, specifications, and delivery timelines.
• Configure, validate, troubleshoot, and optimize electromechanical systems during build and commissioning.
• Support design for manufacturability and design for assembly with internal and external resources.
• Provide equipment support to Product, Software, deployment, fleet operations, and technical operations teams.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve hardware, mechanical, software, and system-level issues.
• Develop and execute test plans for functionality, performance, and compliance.
• Collaborate with vendors, system integrators, OEMs, and cross-functional teams on equipment and design specifications.
• Incorporate field deployment feedback into mechanical design and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and deliver weekly internal progress reporting.

Benefits

• Stock option program and equity participation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% dependent coverage.
• 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.
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• Flexible paid time off.