Robotics Maintenance Manager

Who We Are:

At Formic, we’re on a mission to revolutionize American manufacturing and create more abundance in the world. We believe in continuing the American legacy of innovation by making automation accessible to all manufacturers and increasing their factory productivity by 10x. 

Built upon deep expertise in robotics and manufacturing, our unique Pay-for-Productivity robotics solutions combine the best automation technology, tools, and uptime services for manufacturers, paving the way for a new era of supercharged efficiency and competitiveness. 

As the world faces growing pressure from rising costs and labor shortages, Formic is a uniquely powerful tool in overcoming these challenges. Fueled by our vision for a resurged “Made in America,” we’re growing fast - achieving 70% quarterly growth in customer count and ARR, with ~30% of our customers having already deployed multiple systems.

Supporting us in our mission, with investments thus far totaling over $60 million, are backers including Blackhorn Ventures, Mitsubishi HC Capital America, NEC, Lorimer Ventures, Translink Capital, Alumni Ventures, FJ Labs, Lux Capital, Initialized Capital and founders of multiple Fortune 50 companies. 

About the PODS (Production, Optimization, Deployment, Solutions) team:

The Robotics Maintenance/Field Service Manager is responsible for managing Formic’s team of Robotics Field Service Engineers who are located in various areas of the US, as well as overseeing all maintenance operations to ensure the efficient functioning of automated production equipment in a distributed manufacturing environment. This role involves planning, directing, and coordinating maintenance activities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, and managing a team of maintenance professionals. The Field Service Manager will develop and implement maintenance strategies, adhere to budgets, and collaborate with other departments to support equipment performance goals.

As Robotics Maintenance Manager, you will:

• Manage dispatch, scheduling and work assignment:
• Work on the forefront of robotics automation using Formic’s suite of monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Leading a team of Field Service Engineers to provide preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities across Formic’s growing fleet of deployed robotic cells 
• Schedule and assign corrective work orders and proactive maintenance tasks, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely completion.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Manage inbound requests for service.

• Team Leadership:
• Supervise, train, and mentor maintenance staff, including hiring, performance evaluations, and career development.
• Provide clear direction to enable team members to achieve goals and deliver superior maintenance services.

• Collaboration:
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and other departments to coordinate maintenance activities impacting production schedules.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to support operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Training and Development:
• Provide technical expertise and support in areas such as PLCs, robotics, automation systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Develop and deliver training programs for maintenance staff and production operators.

• Spares Inventory Review:
• Review spare parts inventory, ensuring critical parts are available, setting recommended minimum and maximum levels.
• Review equipment drawings and make recommendations for critical spare parts lists.

• Maintenance Systems Management:
• Oversee corrective,  preventive, and predictive maintenance efforts for all production machinery and equipment.
• Maintain electronic maintenance planning systems (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems - CMMS) and ensure accurate documentation of maintenance activities.

• Inspection and Troubleshooting:
• Lead the efforts to conduct regular inspections of equipment at facilities to identify maintenance needs and implement preventive measures.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions, coordinating repairs with internal staff or external vendors as necessary.

• Budget Management:
• Manage maintenance budgets, including tracking expenses, controlling costs, and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Prepare and review relevant maintenance metrics to drive improvement and report to management.

• Equipment Installation and Projects:
• Help cross functional departments with installation, commissioning, and start-up of new equipment and systems with vendors and subcontractors.

• Continuous Improvement:
• Analyze maintenance data and conduct post mortem exercises to identify trends, root causes of equipment failures, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement process improvements to enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

• Vendor and Contractor Management:
• Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors, contractors, and suppliers to ensure quality service and support.
• Evaluate service provider performance for compliance with contracts and company standards.

• Compliance and Safety:
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, OSHA standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Develop and implement maintenance policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
• Lead safety culture initiatives, perform safety audits, and ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

What makes you a great fit:

Job Requirements:

• 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of technical experience repairing, installing, and maintaining industrial 6-axis robots
• 3+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Ability/willingness to work 5 days/week in our Woodridge, IL facility.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, including knowledge of PLCs, automation systems, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic systems and 6 axis robots.
• Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, GMPs, SOPs, and safety standards in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Suite and other relevant software.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, automotive or other high speed manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Project management experience, including managing capital projects and equipment installations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work may involve exposure to varying temperature environments, noise from machinery, and other industrial conditions.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Occasional (approximately 10-20%)  travel may be required to meet with suppliers or visit other company locations.

What we look for:

We’re building a company from the ground up, so every single person we hire has a massive impact on our team, culture, and ability to accomplish our mission. While each individual brings their own unique skills and perspectives to Formic, we look for people who share our vision and act in alignment with our Operating Principles. If this sounds like you, Formic could be the place for you:

• Fearless Optimism: You share our ambitious vision of what we can accomplish. You’re aware of the challenges we will face as a startup doing new things in an old space, but you’re energized by the incredible opportunity we have to drive change for our customers, and for the manufacturing industry at large.
• Factories First: You have a strong customer focus, no matter who your customer is. You seek to make things easier and better for our customers, even if it makes your job a little harder. 
• Today, Not Tomorrow: There are always plenty of projects to tackle in a startup, but you prioritize, take accountability for work, and have a bias toward action.
• Be Right Often: You don’t do things just because that’s how they’ve always been done. You keep looking for ways to improve, seek out feedback along the way, and back your decisions up with data. 
• Made of Rubber: Just like rubber, when you fall you bounce back up. You know there’s going to be a lot of challenge and change in our work ahead but you are adaptable, resilient, and ready to thrive through it all.
• Good Baton Passes: You work with a desire to make things easier and better for your team members. You use empathy to understand the needs and goals of others and support each other so Formic can be successful together. 

What We Offer:

Formic believes we do our best work when we are equipped to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. To support this Formic offers comprehensive benefits and perks for full-time US-based employees, including:

• Equity in Formic: your slice of ownership in a fast-growing Series A startup, backed by some of the best investors in the world
• 99% coverage on our base Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans (75% coverage for dependents) via Blue Cross Blue Shield and Guardian, with buy-up options, as well
• FSA & DCFSA
• Life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-term Disability plans (covered at 100%) via Guardian
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid parental leave
• Company-sponsored 401k
• Home Office Stipend for remote and hybrid roles
• Monthly Phone/Internet Reimbursement
• Flexible time off policy and 10+ company holidays
• Opportunity to join a talented and diverse team united behind our mission to revolutionize American manufacturing

As our team grows, our benefit and perk offerings for employees based outside of the United States will vary. We are happy to discuss these options with you as part of our recruiting and interviewing process. Temporary or contract positions are not eligible for Formic employee benefits and perks, except where legally required.

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. All employment decisions are based on a person’s merit, business needs, and role requirements. If you require further accommodations or have questions regarding accessibility of our roles, please reach out to careers@formic.co.