Automation Sustaining Engineer

Formic•Oakland, CA

10h

About The Position

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. The Fleet Operations Team drives uptime and operational performance across Formic’s growing fleet of deployed robotic systems. Working inside live manufacturing environments, the team diagnoses issues, restores production, and continuously improves system reliability at scale. Fleet Operations operates at the intersection of robotics, controls, and real-world factory execution, ensuring Formic’s automation delivers consistent, measurable performance across diverse industrial applications. As an Automation Sustaining 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, ensuring automation systems perform consistently in demanding production environments. This role blends reactive support with proactive engineering. You will diagnose complex failures, implement structured improvements, and partner cross-functionally to strengthen system stability across the fleet. Your work will directly impact system uptime, performance consistency, and long-term customer success.

Requirements

10+ 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
Strong problem-solving skills and a structured troubleshooting methodology
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally
Willingness to travel up to 50% based on business needs
Valid driver’s license and ability to support local travel

Nice To Haves

Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments
Experience standardizing automation systems across multiple deployed sites
Exposure to data-driven maintenance or predictive monitoring tools

Responsibilities

Diagnose and resolve complex automation failures to minimize production downtime
Design and implement preventative and predictive strategies that 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 by responding to service tickets, guiding troubleshooting efforts, and triaging issues to onsite teams when required
Support field service activities within your local region for both reactive and preventative maintenance
Partner with Product, Deployment, and Engineering teams to standardize equipment configurations and improve system repeatability
Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and change-control records
Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues across the fleet
Mentor field technicians and engineers on troubleshooting and system health best practices
Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and relevant industry regulations
Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability, diagnostic capabilities, and technical support

Benefits

Equity in Formic: Participate in our stock option program and share in the success of a fast-growing start-up backed by leading global investors
Competitive & Uncapped Commission Structure: Designed to reward performance and impact in commission-eligible roles
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Unum, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% coverage for dependents, with optional buy-up plans available
Additional Insurance Benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability through Unum, all 100% employer-paid
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic, offering support when you need it most
Paid Parental Leave Program: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
Company-sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company-facilitated retirement savings plan
Home Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees to support an at-home or on-the-road work setup
Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward personal phone and internet expenses
Flexible Time Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policy