About the role
Chicago || Bolingbrook, IL
Who we are:
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.
About the team:
The Solutions Engineering Team is responsible for delivering robotics-driven automation deployments across a wide range of customer applications. The team partners cross-functionally to translate customer requirements into deployed systems, ensuring solutions are integrated, commissioned, and validated to perform reliably in real manufacturing environments.
About the role:
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.
In this role you will:
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
Manage multiple proposals and technical workstreams in parallel
Recommend improvements to standard designs, tools, or procedures based on learnings from the field
Visit customer sites as needed to support discovery, validation, and scoping
What makes you a great fit:
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
Strong ability to build credibility and lead solution-oriented conversations with manufacturing customers
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
Willingness to travel up to 35–40%
Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for local travel
Bonus points if you have:
Experience in consultative sales, technical sales, or customer-facing solution design
Experience supporting new technology adoption in production environments
Compensation Range: $115,000 - $155,000 USD
Formic is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, family or parental status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Minimum requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 3+ years in pre-sales technical roles and manufacturing environments
- Expertise in automation segments and familiarity with major 6-axis robot OEMs
- Proficiency in CAD, strong customer communication skills, valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel up to 40%
This listing was parsed by AI and may not be complete. Check the official posting on Formic's site for the most accurate information.