Prototype Technician

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Company: Princeton Critical Minerals

Position Overview:

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

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement