What are the responsibilities and job description for the Workshop Manager position at Princeton Critical Minerals (PURELi)?
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
Salary : $100,000 - $120,000