Senior Automation Sustaining Engineer

Who We Are:

At Formic, we’re on a mission to revolutionize American manufacturing and create more abundance in the world. We believe in continuing the American legacy of innovation by making automation accessible to all manufacturers and increasing their factory productivity by 10x. 

Built upon deep expertise in robotics and manufacturing, our unique full service automation solutions combine the best automation technology, software, and analysis tools for manufacturers with best in class uptime, support, and maintenance services. We are creating a new era of supercharged efficiency and competitiveness for US manufacturers.   As the world faces growing pressure from tariffs, rising costs, and labor shortages, Formic is uniquely positioned as the industry leading solution to overcome these challenges.  Fueled by our vision for a re-industrialized domestic supply chain, everything we do is aimed at growing “Made in America” products. And we’re growing fast - achieving 7x growth in production hours YoY.

Supporting us in our mission, with investments thus far totaling over $60 million, are backers including Lux Capital, Initialized Capital, Blackhorn Ventures, Mitsubishi HC Capital NA, and CEOs and founders of multiple Fortune 50 companies.

The Production Optimization Team is dedicated to ensuring both customer satisfaction and the seamless operation of our robots. Together, the the various sub teams, including Customer Success and Monitoring & Maintenance, work to maximize robot performance and provide ongoing support to guarantee a smooth and efficient user experience for our customers. The Robotics Field Service Technicians and Engineers works on the forefront of robotic automation using Formic’s suite of monitoring and diagnostic capabilities to guide preventative, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities across Formic’s growing fleet of deployed robotic cells. They work with a variety of robotic equipment and OEM’s, delivering innovative and value-add automation to our manufacturing sector customers. 

As a Senior Automation Sustaining Engineer you will be responsible for maintaining, improving, and ensuring the continuous operation of manufacturing automation systems and equipment. This role involves working closely with production teams, quality assurance, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and ensure that equipment meets performance standards.

In this role you will:

• Diagnose and remedy automation failures to minimize downtime
• Design and deploy preventative strategies that boost system uptime and reliability
• Drive continuous-improvement projects: scope, plan, and deliver hardware/software upgrades
• Analyze production data and field diagnostics to uncover performance-optimization opportunities
• Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize and streamline equipment setups
• Own equipment documentation: operating procedures, maintenance logs, and change-control records
• Mentor and train other technicians and engineers on best practices for system health and troubleshooting
• Enforce compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and internal quality guidelines
• Serve as the go-to technical authority for complex escalations and cross-functional initiatives
• Cultivate vendor relationships to ensure robust support, parts availability, and advanced diagnostics
• Stay ahead of automation trends; recommend and pilot cutting-edge solutions that align with Formic’s roadmap

What makes you a great fit:

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation engineering
• Proficiency in automation technologies, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming and HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
• Solid foundation in control theory, robotics, and automated manufacturing systems
• Knowledge of PLCs, automation, and control systems
• Familiarity with industrial standards and regulations related to manufacturing automation
• Strong technical skills in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems
• Proficiency in CAD software and ability to read technical drawings
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills for teamwork, troubleshooting, and brainstorming
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise, heat, and hazardous materials
• The ability to lift and move equipment and components as needed
• 50% - 75% travel requir