Robotics Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Who we are:

Formic is on a mission to reshape American manufacturing by making automation accessible to every factory. As labor constraints rise, costs increase, and global competition intensifies, automation is no longer optional for manufacturers that want to stay competitive.

We deliver automation through a Robotics-as-a-Service model that combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support into a single, integrated solution. By removing the traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk, we enable manufacturers to deploy automation quickly and realize measurable gains in throughput, safety, and operational efficiency without large upfront capital investment.

Backed by leading investors including Lux Capital, Initialized Capital, Blackhorn Ventures, and Mitsubishi HC Capital North America, Formic is scaling rapidly and building the foundation for a new era of high-performance, Made in America production.

About the team:

The Automation Engineering Team is responsible for delivering robotics-driven automation deployments across a wide range of customer applications. The team partners cross-functionally to translate customer requirements into deployed systems, ensuring solutions are integrated, commissioned, and validated to perform reliably in real manufacturing environments. Automation Engineering works closely with customers, internal technical teams, and external integrators to execute deployments on schedule while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and repeatability.

About the role:

As a Robotics Automation Technician, you will support the build, configuration, validation, and installation of Formic's robotic automation systems. You will work hands-on in our Woodridge facility and at customer sites to help ensure systems are assembled correctly, tested thoroughly, and deployed safely.

This role is designed for someone early in their automation career who is mechanically strong, eager to learn, and motivated to grow into more advanced technical responsibilities. You will work closely with experienced engineers and technicians while gaining exposure to real-world robotic deployments across multiple industries.

In this role you will:

• Assemble, configure, and test automated systems in the shop, including material handling, palletizing, case erecting, case packing, and related end-of-line automation
• Support internal system integration activities including mechanical setup, electrical setup, system quality checks, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, FAT, and final system pack-out
• Support installation and on-site commissioning activities at customer sites in collaboration with Deployment Engineers and Project Managers
• Assist with mechanical installation, power-up, testing, troubleshooting, performance validation, and final documentation
• Support senior technicians and engineers during system integration and deployments while building the skills required to take on more advanced commissioning responsibilities over time.
• Support refurbishment and reconditioning of returned systems as needed
• Validate system performance and assist with troubleshooting during testing, integration, and deployment activities
• Travel to customer sites as needed for multi-day installation and support deployments
• Follow Formic's standardized processes, tools, SOPs, and all applicable safety requirements

What makes you a great fit:

• 0–2 years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing, mechanical assembly, field service, or related hands-on technical work
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand tools
• Willingness to learn and grow into more advanced technical responsibilities
• Strong ability to follow documented procedures and ask for help when needed
• Comfort working in physically active, hands-on environments
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow documented processes and safety standards
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 50–60% as needed
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Based in or willing to relocate to the greater Chicago area and able to work onsite five days per week in Woodridge, IL
• Comfortable working in industrial manufacturing environments, including standing for extended periods, climbing ladders, and working around operating machinery

Nice to have:

• Exposure to industrial automation equipment or 6-axis robots
• Basic electrical experience including sensors, wiring, and troubleshooting
• Experience with end-of-line packaging systems such as palletizers, case packers, case erectors, or conveyors
• Experience in a system integrator, OEM, or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with basic measurement tools such as calipers, multimeters, and torque tools
• Exposure to industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, or Universal Robots

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:

$28—$38 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

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.