Controls & Automation Engineer

Who we are:
Formic is on a mission to reshape American manufacturing by making automation accessible to every factory. 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 traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk, manufacturers can deploy automation quickly and achieve measurable gains in throughput, safety, and operational efficiency.

About the team

The Fleet Operations Team drives uptime and operational performance across a growing fleet of deployed robotic systems. Working inside live manufacturing environments, the team diagnoses issues, restores production, and continuously improves system reliability at scale.

About the role

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 to ensure automation systems perform consistently in demanding production environments.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation failures to minimize production downtime
• Design and implement preventative and predictive strategies to improve system reliability
• Lead system-level continuous improvement initiatives, including hardware and software upgrades
• Analyze production data and diagnostic trends to identify systemic performance gaps
• Provide remote support, respond to service tickets, and triage issues to onsite teams when required
• Support regional field service activities for reactive and preventative maintenance
• Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize equipment configurations
• Maintain system documentation including procedures, maintenance logs, and change-control records
• Serve as escalation point for complex technical issues
• Mentor field technicians and engineers on troubleshooting best practices
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations
• Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability and diagnostic capabilities

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environments
• Strong proficiency programming PLCs, robots, and industrial control systems
• Solid understanding of robotic systems, motion systems, and automated manufacturing equipment
• Hands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control system failures
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Experience working in uptime-critical manufacturing environments
• Willingness to travel up to 50%
• Valid driver's license

Benefits

• Equity participation through stock options
• Competitive hourly compensation with overtime eligibility
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• FSA, DCFSA, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks)
• Company-sponsored 401(k)
• Home office stipend and monthly cell phone reimbursement
• 15 days of paid time off plus company holidays

Compensation

Hourly rate: $38–$46 USD. Total annualized earnings typically range from $109,000–$132,000 depending on experience, rate, and hours worked. Overtime paid according to applicable law.