Lamination / Fiberglass Technician

Nautical Ventures Marine LLC•Fort Lauderdale, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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, vinylester, 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

Nice To Haves

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 (boatbuilding, yacht repair, or marine service)
Familiarity with ABYC standards and marine construction practices

Responsibilities

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 specifications
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
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
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