Build Your Robotics Career - Explore the Country as a Robotics Field Service Engineer or Technician

Formic•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Formic is building a nationwide Field Service talent pipeline as its customer base and fleet of deployed robotic systems grow. The company may help team members relocate to markets where their skills are needed, with the possibility of additional relocations as opportunities emerge. The role offers the opportunity to work with industrial robotics and automation in manufacturing facilities across the United States. As a hands-on member of the Fleet Operations Team, the Robotics Field Service Technician works closely with Engineering and senior field staff to perform preventive maintenance, directed corrective repairs, and customer support within an assigned region or territory. The position supports uptime and operational performance in live, safety-sensitive manufacturing environments. Success involves following established procedures, working calmly during production interruptions, documenting work clearly, and contributing to fleet performance, customer satisfaction, and system reliability. The role requires travel throughout the assigned region, with support for other markets as needed. The posting describes regional travel of up to 80% and overnight travel of up to 50%, and says field service work typically runs approximately 50 or more hours per week, including travel, site activity, and documentation. The position is paid hourly, with overtime paid according to applicable law for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Requirements

At least 2 years of hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, field service, robotics, or automated manufacturing; more extensive experience and independent troubleshooting capabilities are expected for Field Service Engineer opportunities.
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with practical experience diagnosing and repairing industrial equipment.
Experience troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, PLC, or robotic control systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
Experience performing preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, and structured troubleshooting.
Familiarity with industrial automation components such as sensors, motors, drives, safety circuits, and control systems.
For more advanced engineering-level opportunities, ability to independently diagnose complex equipment failures and perform root cause analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear technical documentation and customer interaction.
Commitment to safety, disciplined execution, and effective work in active manufacturing environments.
Resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to work independently while knowing when to collaborate or escalate.
Willingness to relocate anywhere within the United States.
Comfort with regional travel up to 80% and overnight travel up to 50%.
Enthusiasm for learning, exploring new places, and building a long-term career in robotics and automation.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with industrial robots from FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, ABB, or Universal Robots.
PLC programming or advanced troubleshooting experience, particularly with Allen-Bradley or Siemens.
Experience with industrial networks, HMIs, VFDs, robotic safety systems, or industrial communication protocols.
Familiarity with palletizing, case packing, pick-and-place, machine tending, or conveyor systems.
Experience in food, beverage, packaging, CPG, or other high-speed manufacturing environments.
Experience using CMMS platforms to track maintenance activity, repairs, and equipment history.
Prior customer-facing field service experience.
Spanish language proficiency.
Openness to future relocations as Formic's fleet and customer base grow.

Responsibilities

Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on industrial robotic systems and automated manufacturing cells.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, PLC, and robotic control system issues, independently or with support based on technical complexity and experience.
Respond to customer service calls, diagnose production interruptions, and restore equipment to reliable operation.
Work hands-on with industrial robots, sensors, motors, drives, conveyors, and other automation equipment.
Diagnose robotic faults, perform system recovery, and support programming, configuration, and controls troubleshooting as appropriate to expertise.
Monitor fleet performance, identify anomalies, and proactively address reliability concerns.
Investigate recurring failures, participate in root cause analysis, and implement or recommend corrective actions.
Collaborate with Engineering, senior field personnel, and cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and improve system performance.
Document service activity, troubleshooting findings, repairs, and spare parts requirements using maintenance management systems.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to customer operators and maintenance personnel.
Build strong, trusted relationships with plant managers, maintenance teams, and customer stakeholders.
Follow industrial safety standards, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that increase equipment uptime, reliability, and service efficiency.
Continue developing technical expertise across robotics, industrial controls, networking, and automation systems.
Travel throughout the assigned region and support other markets as needed.

Benefits

Equity through participation in Formic's stock option program.
Competitive and uncapped commission structure for commission-eligible roles.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Unum, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% coverage for dependents; optional buy-up plans are available.
Flexible spending account (FSA) and dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).
Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability through Unum.
Fully funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement savings plan.
One-time home office stipend for fully remote and hybrid employees.
Monthly cell phone reimbursement toward personal phone and internet expenses.
15 days of paid time off, in addition to company holidays.
Overtime pay in accordance with applicable federal and state law for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.