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Job description
Head Laminator / Shop ForemanThe Head Laminator / Shop Foreman is a skilled and specialized leadership role, responsible for both leading a team of composite technicians and personally 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, while overseeing the production floor to ensure that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate possesses hands-on expertise in wet layup, vacuum infusion, vacuum bagging, and composite lamination processes — including work with carbon fiber and epoxy resin systems — along with proven leadership ability to guide, train, and hold a production team accountable to superior marine-grade results.Production & Team Leadership• Manage and mentor a team of laminators and composite technicians, providing hands-on guidance, training, and performance feedback• Plan and schedule daily shop activities to optimize workflow, maximize efficiency, and meet production deadlines• Ensure all shop tools, molds, and machinery are properly maintained and in good working condition• Enforce shop safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment• Communicate with supervisors and service advisors regarding job status, staffing needs, and any structural concerns identified during workLamination & 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, vinylester, 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 specificationsFiberglass 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 blendingSurface 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 standardsQuality, Safety & Documentation• Conduct thorough quality inspections throughout the lamination and repair process to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations; inspect raw materials and finished products• 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 handlingRequirementsRequired Qualifications• High school diploma or GED equivalent• Minimum 4-5 years of hands-on lamination or fiberglass fabrication experience in a marine, aerospace, or industrial composites environment, including prior experience in a supervisory or foreman capacity• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and manage a production team effectively• Proficiency in wet layup lamination techniques and resin application (polyester, vinylester, and/or epoxy systems)• Demonstrated expertise in vacuum bagging and resin infusion (VARI) processes• Experience with core material bonding and sandwich composite construction• Comprehensive understanding of epoxy resin systems and carbon fiber materials, including their properties, curing cycles, and best practices for application• Ability to read and interpret laminate schedules, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and blueprints• Strong understanding of fiberglass materials, cure cycles, and composite repair methodology• Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve production issues quickly• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality, defect-free workmanship• Ability to work independently and lead a team in a fast-paced production environment• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices for composite and chemical handlingPreferred Qualifications• Technical certification in composites, fiberglass repair, or marine fabrication• Experience with mold preparation, maintenance, and repair• Gelcoat application and color-matching experience• Knowledge of other composite materials (e.g., Kevlar, fiberglass) and resin systems• Prior marine industry experience (boatbuilding, yacht repair, or marine service)• Familiarity with ABYC standards and marine construction practicesBenefits• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance• Employee discount• Paid time off (PTO)• 401(k) planPosition TypeThis is a full-time, supervisory position with variable hours, including weekends as needed during peak seasons.Equal Employment OpportunityNautical Ventures Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. NVG uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. NVG is a drug-free workplace.DisclaimerThis job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. This description is subject to change at any time, with or without notice.
Worksite address
fort myers, FL, 33901, US
Who can apply
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