Robotics & Automation Project Engineer

Robotics & Automation Project EngineerCharlotte, NCFormic 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.The Fleet Operations Team drives uptime and operational performance across Formic's growing fleet of deployed robotic systems. Working inside live manufacturing environments, the team diagnoses issues, restores production, and continuously improves system reliability at scale. Fleet Operations operates at the intersection of robotics, controls, and real-world factory execution, ensuring Formic's automation delivers consistent, measurable performance across diverse industrial applications.As Controls & Automation Engineer, you will own advanced technical support and the long-term reliability of deployed robotic systems. You will operate at the intersection of troubleshooting, system optimization, and product improvement, ensuring automation systems perform consistently in demanding production environments.This role blends reactive support with proactive engineering. You will diagnose complex failures, implement structured improvements, and partner cross-functionally to strengthen system stability across the fleet. Your work will directly impact system uptime, performance consistency, and long-term customer success.In this role you will:Diagnose and resolve complex automation failures to minimize production downtimeDesign and implement preventative and predictive strategies that improve system reliabilityLead system-level continuous improvement initiatives, including hardware and software upgradesAnalyze production data and diagnostic trends to identify systemic performance gapsProvide remote support by responding to service tickets, guiding troubleshooting efforts, and triaging issues to onsite teams when requiredSupport field service activities within your local region for both reactive and preventative maintenancePartner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize equipment configurations and improve system repeatabilityMaintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and change-control recordsServe as the escalation point for complex technical issues across the fleetMentor field technicians and engineers on troubleshooting and system health best practicesEnsure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and relevant industry regulationsCollaborate with vendors to improve parts availability, diagnostic capabilities, and technical supportWhat makes you a great fit:5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environmentsStrong proficiency programming PLCs, robots, and industrial control systemsSolid understanding of robotic systems, motion systems, and automated manufacturing equipmentHands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control system failuresAbility to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawingsExperience working in uptime-critical manufacturing environmentsStrong problem-solving skills and a structured troubleshooting methodologyClear written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently while collaborating cross-functionallyWillingness to travel up to 50% based on business needsValid driver's license and ability to support local travelBonus points if you have:Experience in high-volume manufacturing environmentsExperience standardizing automation systems across multiple deployed sitesExposure to data-driven maintenance or predictive monitoring toolsOur 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 investorsCompetitive & Uncapped Commission Structure: Designed to reward performance and impact in commission-eligible rolesComprehensive 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 availableAdditional Insurance Benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability through Unum, all 100% employer-paidEmployee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic, offering support when you need it mostPaid Parental Leave Program: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leaveCompany-sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company-facilitated retirement savings planHome Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees to support an at-home or on-the-road work setupMonthly Cell Phone Reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward personal phone and internet expensesFlexible Time Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policyCompensation Range:$38 - $46 USDWhat 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 click.appcast.io 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.