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Salary: USD 120,000 - 150,000 / annual
Formic is reshaping American manufacturing by making industrial automation accessible to every factory through a Robotics-as-a-Service model. The company combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support into integrated solutions that remove traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk.
The Project Engineering team is a multidisciplinary group within the Automation Engineering organization, bringing mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering together. The team serves as the engineering escalation path for deployed systems, converting complex field problems into scoped, engineered, and standardized solutions. Work spans troubleshooting of complex multi-discipline failures, continuous improvement through fleet-wide standardization, and support for product development and enhancements.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will own the mechanical design, documentation, and commissioning of electromechanical systems and assemblies from concept through production deployment. You will lead mechanical design efforts using SolidWorks—from concept modeling through drawing release and BOM management—while driving hands-on system integration and floor commissioning to ensure automation systems are production-ready before scaling across Formic's fleet.
Key responsibilities include: designing automation systems (palletizing, case packing, conveyor, material handling, and end-of-arm tooling) from concept through release; creating and maintaining detailed mechanical documentation including CAD models, drawings, exploded diagrams, BOMs, and work instructions; designing and implementing EOAT on the floor; integrating electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems; rapidly iterating and validating designs; leading technical aspects of assigned automation projects; configuring and troubleshooting systems during build and commissioning; supporting design for manufacturability and assembly practices; collaborating cross-functionally with Product, Software, and Operations teams; performing root cause analysis and troubleshooting of hardware and mechanical issues; developing and executing test plans; engaging with external vendors and system integrators; and collecting field feedback for continuous improvement.
You will work at the intersection of design, commissioning, and field support, operating as a cross-functional unit with engineers at the Bolingbrook hub and field implementation resources across North America. The role blends reactive support with proactive engineering, directly impacting mechanical design quality, deployment readiness, and the evolution of Formic's automation portfolio.
**Requirements:**
- 3+ years of experience in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field
- 3+ years of experience designing mechanical systems, machine assemblies, or equipment for industrial automation and robotic applications
- Experience owning mechanical designs from concept through manufacturing release, including full 3D assemblies, detailed drawings, component selection, and BOMs
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD, ideally SolidWorks, with experience designing complete machine or system assemblies (not just individual parts)
- Strong drafting and GD&T skills, with ability to produce fabrication- and assembly-ready drawings, exploded diagrams, and BOMs
- Familiarity with industrial robotic systems and their integration, including robotic arms such as FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, or similar platforms
- Strong understanding of how mechanical systems interface with robotics, EOAT, conveyance, sensors, actuators, guarding, and other automation components
- Experience troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical problems on automation systems or machinery
- Willingness and ability to work hands-on on the shop floor, including mechanical assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, modification, and repair
- Ability to organize and manage engineering deliverables through iterative development and tight feedback loops across concurrent projects
- Excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Located in, or willing to relocate to, the greater Chicago, IL area and work on-site
- Ability to travel up to 25%
**Bonus qualifications:**
- Advanced SolidWorks experience (large assembly management, top-down design, configuration-driven design)
- Experience designing and implementing robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT)
- Experience with end-of-line robotic automation applications (palletizing, case packing, packaging, conveyance, material handling)
- Experience organizing and maintaining PDM/PLM workflows, revision control, model release structures, and formal drawing-release processes
- Direct hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, motion control systems, motors, and VFDs
- Direct hands-on experience with PLCs
- Familiarity with industrial automation protocols such as EtherNet/IP and IO-Link
- Familiarity with machine safety devices (safety scanners, light curtains, gate locks, guarding/interlock systems)
- Knowledge of robotic safety standards such as ISO 10218 and ANSI/RIA
- Experience with AutoCAD or additional 2D/3D CAD platforms
