Prototype Technician

Princeton Critical Minerals (PURELi); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Princeton Critical Minerals (PURELi) is looking for a motivated Workshop Manager / Machinist to oversee workshop operations. This role involves leading machining, fabrication, and maintenance tasks to support production and R&D.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of hands-on workshop experience, strong CNC and manual machining skills, and a proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems.

Competitive salary and benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in machining, fabrication, prototyping, or workshop operations.
• Strong experience with CNC machining and manual machining.
• Demonstrated experience building and troubleshooting mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day workshop operations ensuring a productive environment.
• Manage workshop resources including equipment and inventory.
• Support rapid design-build-test cycles and drive improvements.

Skills

CNC machining

Manual machining

Fabrication

Mechanical assembly

Technical drawing interpretation

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification or associate degree

Tools

CNC mills

Lathes

Fabrication equipment

Welding systems

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Princeton Critical Minerals is seeking a skilled and hands‑on Workshop Manager / Machinist to oversee daily workshop operations while actively contributing to machining, fabrication, and maintenance tasks. This role requires a balance of leadership, technical expertise, and operational efficiency to support production and R&D activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day workshop operations, ensuring a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
• Build, fabricate, assemble, and test prototypes, pilot systems, and production equipment.
• Operate and maintain machining equipment, including CNC mills, lathes, manual machine tools, fabrication equipment, and welding systems.
• Work directly with engineering teams to convert concepts, CAD models, and drawings into functional hardware.
• Support rapid design-build-test cycles by identifying practical manufacturing solutions and design improvements.
• Supervise and mentor technicians, machinists, interns, and contractors as needed.
• Manage workshop resources, including equipment, tooling, consumables, and inventory.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and troubleshoot mechanical systems like conveyors, linear actuators, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Establish workshop best practices, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Source materials, components, and fabrication services from external vendors when required.
• Support field deployments, pilot installations, and equipment commissioning activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase workshop efficiency and reduce project turnaround time.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in machining, fabrication, prototyping, or workshop operations.
• Strong experience with CNC machining, manual machining, fabrication, and mechanical assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Demonstrated experience building and troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of safety standards and best practices in a workshop environment
• Excellent organizational and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in startups, R&D organizations, pilot plants, or product development environments.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Welding, metal fabrication, and structural assembly experience.
• Familiarity with pumps, conveyors, industrial automation, instrumentation, or process equipment.
• Experience supporting field operations in industrial, mining, water treatment, or chemical processing environments.
• Ability to work across disciplines including mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineering.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree preferred
• 5+ years of machining experience; 2+ years in a leadership role preferred
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement