Lamination ​/ Fiberglass Technician

Lamination / Fiberglass Technician

The Lamination / Fiberglass Technician is a skilled and specialized role within Nautical Ventures Group, responsible for performing advanced lamination work, fiberglass fabrication, and structural composite repairs on marine vessels and watercraft. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity, quality, and long-term durability of our products. The ideal candidate possesses hands-on expertise in wet layup, vacuum infusion, and composite lamination processes, and applies these skills to consistently deliver superior marine-grade results.

Lamination & Composite Fabrication

• Perform wet layup and vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) lamination on marine hulls, decks, and structural components
• Cut, fit, and laminate fiberglass cloth, woven roving, biaxial fabrics, carbon fiber, and other composite reinforcements
• Apply polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy resin systems accurately to achieve specified laminate schedules
• Execute core material bonding using balsa, foam, and honeycomb cores in sandwich composite structures
• Build up structural laminates in accordance with engineering drawings, laminate schedules, and manufacturer specifications

Fiberglass Repair & Restoration

• Assess and repair fiberglass damage including cracks, chips, osmotic blistering, and delamination on hulls, decks, and topsides
• Perform structural repairs including hull reinforcement, stringer repairs, transom replacements, and core repairs
• Identify and correct lamination defects such as voids, print-through, and dry spots
• Apply gelcoat to restore cosmetic finish with precise color matching and blending

Surface Preparation & Finishing

• Prepare surfaces for lamination and repair including grinding, fairing, sanding, and solvent cleaning to ensure optimal adhesion
• Perform fairing and filling using marine-grade fairing compounds, achieving smooth, fair hull surfaces
• Execute finishing work including wet sanding, buffing, polishing, and waxing to restore product appearance to factory standards

Quality, Safety & Documentation

• Conduct thorough quality inspections throughout the lamination and repair process to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations
• Maintain accurate documentation of lamination schedules, material usage, labor hours, and work orders
• Maintain inventory of fiberglass materials, resins, core materials, and consumables; flag reorder needs proactively
• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols including proper use of PPE (respirators, gloves, protective suits) and compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations governing composites and chemical handling
• Communicate with supervisors and service advisors regarding job status and any structural concerns identified during work

Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on lamination or fiberglass fabrication experience in a marine, aerospace, or industrial composites environment
• Proficiency in wet layup lamination techniques and resin application (polyester, vinyl ester, and/or epoxy systems)
• Experience with core material bonding and sandwich composite construction
• Ability to read and interpret laminate schedules, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
• Strong understanding of fiberglass materials, cure cycles, and composite repair methodology
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices for composite and chemical handling

Preferred

• Technical certification in composites, fiberglass repair, or marine fabrication
• Experience with vacuum infusion (VARI/VARTM) or vacuum bagging processes
• Gelcoat application and color-matching experience
• Prior marine industry experience (boat building, yacht repair, or marine service)
• Familiarity with ABYC standards and marine construction practices

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) plan

This is a full-time position with variable hours, including weekends and overtime as needed during peak seasons.