Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (1st Shift) - Princeton, NJ

dsm-firmenich; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 44,083 - 49,593; Full time

Job summary

dsm‑firmenich in Princeton, NJ is seeking an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (1st Shift) to maintain critical chemical plant equipment. The role focuses on high‑skill mechanical repair, troubleshooting, and equipment installation for pumps, valves, piping, and rotating machinery, with the option to apply welding and piping skills where available.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of maintenance experience in relevant industries, can read engineering diagrams, and communicate effectively with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with two years of technical training or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 3–5 years of maintenance experience in chemical, food, or beverage manufacturing; mechanical, electrical, pipefitting, or welding skills are a strong plus.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams, technical procedures, regulations and manuals; communicate with managers and staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills; data collection, evaluation, and recommendation/report writing; computer proficiency is a plus.
• Physical ability to stand long shifts, climb ladders/stairs, and wear PPE reliably.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily maintenance and repair of process equipment, piping, valves, gauges, and plant air/product lines.
• Conduct mechanical or electrical repairs on equipment and building systems based on skill set.
• Troubleshoot rotating machinery, pumps, mixers, and pneumatic/electrically driven equipment.
• Rebuild and restore pumps, valves, diaphragms, mixers, and vessels; assist with installations.
• Support safety and efficiency; coordinate with team and outside contractors as needed.
• Install new capital equipment; welding, fabrication, and industrial piping skills are a plus.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Reading diagrams

MS Word/Excel

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school training

Tools

Welding

Piping

Machining

Job description

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic - 1st Shift

Princeton, NJ

Join our maintenance team as a key contributor ensuring the smooth, reliable operation of our chemical plant. In this role, you’ll take on high‑skill mechanical repair, troubleshooting, and equipment installation to keep critical process systems running safely and efficiently. You’ll work hands‑on with pumps, valves, piping, rotating machinery, and other essential plant equipment while supporting both mechanical and electrical maintenance needs based on your skill set. If you’re a problem‑solver with strong technical abilities—and bonus skills like welding or industrial piping—this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily maintenance and repair of chemical plant process equipment, including piping systems, valves, gauges, and plant air/product lines.
• Conduct mechanical or electrical repairs—based on skill set—on plant equipment and building systems such as solenoid valves, limit switches, and actuated valves.
• Troubleshoot rotating machinery, pumps, mixers, and other pneumatic or electrically driven equipment to ensure continuous operation.
• Rebuild and restore process equipment, including diaphragm, rotary, gear, and centrifugal pumps, manual valves, pneumatic mixers, and vessels.
• Assist maintenance team members, oversee outside contractors, and support safe, efficient completion of maintenance activities.
• Install new capital equipment and perform additional tasks as assigned; welding, fabrication, and industrial piping skills considered a plus.

Benefits

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty.
• Chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.
• Science‑led company, cutting‑edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game‑changers.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• Culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• Community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, with two years of technical school training or equivalent hands‑on experience in a related field.
• Three to five years of maintenance experience in a chemical, food, or beverage manufacturing environment, with mechanical, machining, electrical, pipefitting, or welding skills considered a strong plus.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering diagrams, technical procedures, regulations, statistical data, and procedure manuals, and to communicate effectively with managers, clients, and employees.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including the ability to collect data, evaluate results, draw conclusions, and prepare recommendations or project reports; computer proficiency (MS Word, Excel) is a plus.
• Physical capability to stand for 75–85% of the shift, climb ladders and stairs up to 2–3 stories, and consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Salary and Benefits

Salary $32.00 - $36.00 per hour. In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

EEO Statement

At dsm‑firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency Statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm‑firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.