Solutions Engineer (Application Engineer): End-of-Line Automation

Formic • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, you will serve as the primary pre-sales technical and applications partner for Formic’s prospective customers. You will build credibility through strong production knowledge, technical fluency, and consultative problem-solving. You will quickly develop a deep understanding of a customer’s production goals, constraints, and success criteria, then translate those inputs into scoped automation solutions that align operational needs with Formic’s product capabilities. You will also partner cross-functionally to ensure clean handoffs from pre-sales to deployment and ongoing support, helping ensure the solutions you design translate into successful customer outcomes.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a pre-sales technical role (Solutions Engineer, Applications Engineer, Automation Engineer, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing environments (packaging, food production, industrial operations, or related fields)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related technical field) required; equivalent combination of technical education and relevant automation experience may be considered
• Strong ability to build credibility and lead solution-oriented conversations with manufacturing customers
• Ability to run meetings with diverse stakeholders and translate technical detail into clear business outcomes
• Expertise in one or more automation segments (palletizing and/or case packing strongly preferred)
• Familiarity with one or more major 6-axis robot OEMs (FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, ABB, Universal Robots, etc.)
• Proficiency in CAD drafting and reviewing customer layout/process data
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel scopes and deliverables
• Willingness to travel up to 35–40%
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for local travel

Nice To Haves

• Experience in consultative sales, technical sales, or customer-facing solution design
• Experience supporting new technology adoption in production environments

Responsibilities

• Partner with prospective customers and Sales to understand production challenges, operational constraints, and automation requirements
• Lead technical discovery and requirements gathering to inform solution design
• Analyze production data, CAD files, parts lists, and process details to build accurate scopes of work
• Design and scope robotic automation solutions using Formic’s modular automation portfolio
• Produce quick-turn cost estimates to support proposal development and deal execution
• Iterate solutions based on feedback from customers, Sales, and internal technical stakeholders
• Participate in customer meetings and design reviews throughout the pre-sales process
• Drive clean handoffs from Sales/Solutions to Deployment, ensuring requirements and assumptions are clearly documented
• Manage multiple proposals and technical workstreams in parallel
• Recommend improvements to standard designs, tools, or procedures based on learnings from the field
• Identify gaps in Formic’s technical, operational, or commercial offering based on customer feedback
• Visit customer sites as needed to support discovery, validation, and scoping

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level