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Salary: USD 120,000 - 150,000 / annual
Formic is reshaping American manufacturing by making industrial automation accessible through a Robotics-as-a-Service model. The company combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support to help manufacturers deploy automation quickly without large upfront capital investment.
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 Formic's deployed fleet, handling complex troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and support for product development.
As a Mechanical Project Engineer, you will own the mechanical design, documentation, and commissioning of electromechanical systems and assemblies as they are developed and brought into Formic's automation portfolio. This is a hands-on, end-to-end role blending mechanical design, EOAT (end-of-arm tooling) development, and floor implementation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own mechanical design of automation systems (palletizing, case packing, conveyor, material handling, EOAT) from concept through release
- Design, prototype, assemble, and test automated systems using SolidWorks 3D CAD
- Develop and maintain organized SolidWorks model structures, assembly hierarchies, and controlled release processes
- Create detailed mechanical documentation including CAD models, drawings, exploded diagrams, BOMs, and work instructions
- Implement and integrate electrical, mechanical, and control subsystems on the floor
- Lead and manage technical aspects of assigned automation projects, ensuring milestones and delivery timelines are met
- Configure, validate, and troubleshoot electromechanical systems during build and commissioning
- Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) practices
- Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting of hardware and mechanical system-level issues
- Develop and execute test plans to validate functionality and performance
- Engage with external vendors, system integrators, and OEMs
- Collect and assess deployment feedback for mechanical design improvements
- Prepare weekly internal reporting on key initiatives
You will work closely with Project Engineering and Software teams, positioned at the intersection of design, commissioning, and field support. The role requires hands-on shop floor work alongside field implementation resources across North America, with up to 25% travel.
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 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, including large assembly management, top-down design, and configuration-driven design
- Experience designing and implementing robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT)
- Experience with end-of-line robotic automation applications such as palletizing, case packing, packaging, conveyance, or 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 such as safety scanners, light curtains, gate locks, and other guarding/interlock systems
- Knowledge of robotic safety standards such as ISO 10218 and ANSI/RIA
- Experience with AutoCAD or additional 2D/3D CAD platforms
