Robotics Automation Technician

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 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 refurbishment and reconditioning of returned systems as needed
• Assist in validating and testing solutions throughout the deployment lifecycle
• Support troubleshooting of automation systems under development
• Travel to customer sites as needed for installation and support
• 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
• 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

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,…