Maintenance Mechanic (1st Shift) - Princeton, NJ

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.

Your key 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, with welding, fabrication, and industrial piping skills considered a plus.

We bring

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

You bring

• 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.

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. Salary $32.00 - $36.00.

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.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity 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.