Robotics & Automation Project Engineer

As a Robotics & Automation Project Engineer at Formic in Austin, TX, you'll drive reliability across our growing fleet of deployed robotic systems serving manufacturers nationwide. This full-time role combines hands-on technical troubleshooting with systematic engineering to ensure our automation delivers consistent results in demanding production environments.

About the Role

You'll join Formic's Fleet Operations team, which oversees uptime and performance for our subscription-based robotic systems deployed across manufacturing facilities. Operating at the intersection of robotics, industrial controls, and factory operations, you'll diagnose complex failures, implement improvements, and partner with cross-functional teams to strengthen system reliability at scale. Your work spans both reactive support—minimizing downtime when issues arise—and proactive engineering to prevent problems before they impact production.

What You'll Do

• Identify and resolve complex robotic system failures to restore manufacturing output with minimal interruption
• Develop and deploy preventative maintenance and predictive monitoring strategies to reduce unexpected downtime
• Lead multi-system improvement projects, coordinating hardware upgrades, software updates, and configuration standardization
• Analyze operational data and diagnostic trends to uncover performance constraints and drive optimization
• Provide remote technical support, troubleshoot field issues, and escalate problems to on-site specialists when necessary
• Conduct on-site service work within the Austin region, supporting both emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance
• Standardize system configurations and procedures across deployments to improve consistency and repeatability
• Maintain detailed service records, documentation, and change logs to support long-term system health
• Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues, providing expert guidance to field technicians
• Coach field teams on diagnostic methods, preventive maintenance, and system best practices
• Ensure all work meets safety standards, internal quality protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with equipment vendors to enhance parts availability, diagnostic capabilities, and support quality

Qualifications

• Five or more years of hands-on experience in manufacturing automation or industrial robotics environments
• Proficiency writing and debugging PLC code, robot programs, and industrial control systems
• Strong technical knowledge of robotic systems, motion equipment, and automated production machinery
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and control system failures
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
• Background working in high-availability manufacturing environments where uptime is critical
• Systematic troubleshooting methodology and strong problem-solving ability
• Clear, professional communication in writing and conversation
• Capacity to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Willingness to travel up to 50% based on operational needs
• Current driver's license and availability for regional travel in the Austin area

Preferred qualifications include experience in high-throughput manufacturing environments, scaling automation standards across multiple customer sites, or working with data-informed maintenance platforms.

About the Company

Formic removes barriers between factories and automation. We deliver complete robotic systems—hardware, proprietary software, and field engineering—on a subscription basis, enabling manufacturers to upgrade production without large upfront investment or systems integration complexity. This approach lets US plants compete globally, improve worker safety, and unlock operational gains. Backed by leading venture capital investors, Formic is scaling nationwide to make advanced automation accessible to American manufacturers of every size.

Next Steps

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.